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Somen noodles stir-fry, Somen noodles

Somen Noodles Stir-Fry (Japanese-style)

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Somen noodles stir-fry is a quick, savoury dish made by tossing cooked somen with stir-fried vegetables, optional protein, and a flavourful soy-based sauce. It’s light, fast to prepare, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Japanese
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2
Author sumisculinarynotes

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

Somen noodles are delicate—don’t overcook or over-stir once they’re in the pan.
Add a drizzle of lemon juice or yuzu for brightness.
Great as a light main or side dish.