Cold Soba (Japanese Buckwheat Noodles)
Ingredients
| 4 scallions, finely chopped | ||
| 1/2 nori sheet about 4 inches square (available at Asian markets) | ||
| 14 oz Soba noodles | ||
| 1 tsp wasabi paste or powder | ||
| 1 and 1/4 oz Kezuri-bushi (available at Asian markets) | ||
| 1 cup shoyu (soy sauce) | ||
| 1 cup Mirin | ||
| 3 cups water |
Cold Soba noodles are a Japanese staple, often eaten in summer and served on a bamboo tray with a dipping sauce. Great care is taken in their preparation and it is considered an art. In Japan they are dipped in a flavorful sauce and eaten with a loud slurping sound, which is said to enhance their flavor.
- To make the dipping sauce, mix all the ingredients in a small pan.
- Bring to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, and cook for a further 2 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth. Cool at room temperature then chill.
- Soak the spring onion in ice- cold water in a bowl for 5 minutes.
- Drain and squeeze out the excess water.
- Toast the nori over a medium flame until dry and crisp, then cut into short strips about 1/8 inch wide.
- Heat about 9 cups of water in a large sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then add the Soba.
- Distribute the noodles evenly in the pan, and stir to prevent sticking.
- When the water is bubbling, pour 1/4 cup cold water to lower the temperature.
- Repeat this process and cook according to the packet instructions, or about 5 minutes.
- Noodles should be tender to the touch.
- Put a large sieve under cold running water and pour the Soba into the sieve, and wash with your hands.
- Rub the Soba well to remove the starch. The Soba should feel slightly elastic. Drain again.
- Pour the dipping sauce into four cups.
- Put the wasabi and spring onions into individual dishes.
- Divide the Soba among four plates.
- Sprinkle with nori strips and serve cold, dipping in the sauce.
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