Perfect for a hot summer day. Here’s one of my most basic cold noodle dishes which I never get tired of all my life. Donabe can make a perfect serving vessel, and it also makes a wonderful presentation, along with a variety of toppings.
For the dipping sauce, I have this staple soy-based sauce, Kaeshi, always in handy. Kaeshi is a multi-purpose sauce I use for so many things. I pour over noodle by mixing with water/ dashi, chicken, fish, salad, etc.
Vegan option
To make Kaeshi, omit katsuobushi (and you can add dried shiitake to kombu, if you like).Equipment
Classic-style DonabeServings
4 - 5Ingredients
(Kaeshi – enough for multiple uses)
- 1 cup (240 ml) soy sauce
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) mirin
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Okinawa black sugar or raw brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sake
- 1 (2” x 2” or 5 cm x 5 cm) dashi kombu
- a good handful katsuobushi
- Water
- 4 servings somen noodles or your choice of noodle such as soba or udon
- Sudachi citrus or lime, thinly-sliced, for decoration
(Topping/ condiment suggestions)
Roasted and ground sesame seeds, thinly-sliced green onions, wasabi, blanched and sliced okra, grated mountain yam, shredded nori, etc. Or, any toppings of your choice!
Procedure
- To make Kaeshi, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sake, and kombu, and let the kombu soak for 30 minutes. Bring to a low simmer over moderate heat. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the katsuobushi and turn off the heat. Let it cool down and strain. Kaeshi can be stored refrigerated for 1 – 2 months.
- To make the dipping sauce, combine equal parts of Kasha and water and chill. (You will need about 1 cup (240 ml) of each kasha and water for 4 – servings.
- Cook the noodles according to the packages instructions and rinse in cold running water. Fill a donabe with ice water and add the noodles. Decorate with sliced sudachi citrus or lime on top.
- Arrange the toppings/ condiments in small cups and saucers. To enjoy, pour some dipping sauce into cups. Take a small amount of noodles from the donabe and dip into a cup and add some toppings/ condiments. Eat quickly!
Having a variety of toppings/ condiments make the meal really fun.
So good! I like extra sesame seeds in my dipping sauce.