Somen Noodles Stir-Fry (Japanese-style)
Somen noodle stir-fry is a quick and tasty dish made with thin wheat noodles. These noodles are called somen, and they are popular in Japanese cooking. They cook in just a few minutes and are often eaten cold. But you can also stir-fry them for a warm and comforting meal.
In this dish, somen noodles are tossed with fresh vegetables and a savoury sauce. You can also add your favourite protein like tofu, shrimp, or chicken. It’s a fast, healthy, and easy meal that you can enjoy anytime.
What Are Somen Noodles?
Somen noodles are very thin and white. They are made from wheat flour and look like angel hair pasta, but they have a softer texture. These noodles are usually served cold in the summer in Japan. People dip them in a light soy-based sauce or serve them with a chilled broth.
Even though they are made for cold dishes, somen noodles can be used in hot meals too. When stir-fried, they soak up the sauce and taste delicious.
Why Stir-Fry Somen Noodles?
Stir-frying somen noodles is a fun way to try them in a new way. The noodles cook quickly, so you don’t need much time. You can add any vegetables you like—carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, or mushrooms all work great.
You also have many options for sauces. A simple mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of sugar or vinegar can bring out great flavour. If you like it spicy, you can add chilli oil or flakes.
This dish is also easy to customise. You can make it vegan or gluten-free, depending on your needs. You can make it light or filling, depending on your ingredients.
Healthy and Flexible
Somen noodle stir-fry is a good way to eat more vegetables. You can use what you already have at home. Leftover veggies, meat, or tofu can all be added.
It’s also lower in oil compared to deep-fried noodles. If you use a non-stick pan and just a bit of sesame oil, the dish stays light but tasty. It’s a good choice if you want something fast but not processed. It tastes fresh and homemade, and you control what goes into it.
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Perfect for Busy Days
One of the best things about this dish is how fast it is to make. Cooking the noodles takes just 2–3 minutes. Stir-frying everything takes about 5–10 minutes. That means you can have dinner ready in under 20 minutes.
It’s a perfect option when you’re tired or don’t want to spend too much time cooking. It’s also great for lunch, picnics, or even as a packed meal for school or work.
Somen noodle stir-fry is a fun, simple, and tasty dish that anyone can make. It’s fast, healthy, and flexible. Whether you’re new to cooking or a noodle lover looking for something new, give this dish a try. It might just become a new favourite in your kitchen!
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with Japanese curry with chicken katsu — crispy, golden chicken served with rich, savoury curry over a bed of warm rice.
Somen Noodles Stir-Fry (Japanese-style)
Ingredients
- 75-100 g Somen noodles dry weight
- Vegetables your choice, e.g. Carrot – 1 small, julienned, Bell pepper – 1, sliced thin, Scallions – 2, chopped, 5-6 mushrooms, chopped
- 2 Garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- ½ tbsp light Soy sauce
- ½ tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
- ½ tbsp Mirin or rice vinegar
- Protein optional: tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced chicken/beef
- Toasted sesame seeds – for garnish
- Chilli flakes or shichimi togarashi or chilli oil for garnish – optional
Instructions
Cook the somen noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Do not add salt — somen noodles already have some salt in them.
- Add the somen noodles to the boiling water, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes only. These noodles cook very fast — taste test to avoid overcooking.
- Drain the noodles in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
Rub & Rinse (Optional but Traditional)
- Gently rub the noodles with your hands under the cold water to get rid of any stickiness.
- For cold dishes: Soak in ice water until well chilled, then drain.
- For hot dishes or stir-fry: Drain and lightly toss with a teaspoon of sesame oil to keep from sticking.
Prepare stir-fry sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster/hoisin sauce, and mirin or vinegar.
Stir-fry veggies and protein:
- Cook the protein of your choice and keep it aside.
- Heat a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add sesame oil, then garlic and sauté until fragrant (~30 sec).
- Add the vegetables. Stir-fry 2–3 min until slightly tender but crisp.
Add noodles & sauce:
- Add drained somen noodles to the pan.
- Pour in the sauce and toss everything well to combine and heat through (~2 min).
- Garnish with sesame seeds, scallions, and chilli flakes.
- Serve hot!
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Although traditionally served cold, somen noodles work well in stir-fries if handled gently and not overcooked.
After boiling, rinse them under cold water and toss with a little oil (like sesame oil) before stir-frying.
Yes, thin noodles like soba, rice vermicelli, or angel hair pasta can be used, but somen has a unique texture.
Yes, somen noodles must be boiled and rinsed before adding to a stir-fry.
Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, mirin, or hoisin are great options. A touch of chilli oil can add spice.
Usually 15–20 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
Tofu, shrimp, chicken, beef, or even a fried egg pair well with somen noodle stir-fry.
It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance and stir-fry just before serving.
Serve them hot, but cold versions (like somen salads) are also popular in summer.
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