Ramen and udon usually steal the show, but somen noodles absolutely deserve the spotlight. These delicate wheat noodles are little shapeshifters, ready for steaming broths, icy cold salads, and everything in between.
I’ve gathered up 17 incredible somen noodle recipes that’ll take your taste buds on a joyride. Let’s get into it!
1. Scallion Sauce Noodles
Scallion sauce noodles are my 10 minute superhero for those crazy weeknights. Scallions and ginger bring the zing, a splash of kombu mentsuyu and a hint of oyster sauce build serious depth. Rice vinegar gives it tang, sesame oil adds that cozy warmth, and roasted sesame seeds with yuba (a soy product) deliver texture and the most wonderful bite.
2. Somen Noodle and Tofu Soup
This soup hits every note: hearty, comforting, and full of texture. I start with vegetable stock infused with garlic, ginger, and scallions, then load it with protein rich tofu and crisp broccoli.
The real surprise is a squeeze of fresh lime juice that lifts everything. It’s a savory, cozy bowl perfect for any day you need a little hug.
3. Somen Stuffed Aburage
Aburage are those deep fried tofu pouches, and stuffing them with somen noodles is just genius. Toss the noodles in a dressing of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar, then fold in chopped kamaboko (Japanese fish cake) and seaweed salad for extra oomph.
Stuff that seasoned goodness into the seasoned aburage pouches, and you’ve got a dish that’s incredible at room temp or chilled. Both ways are equally delicious, trust me.
4. Vegan Somen Noodles in Creamy Sesame Miso Soup
This bowl is pure fun. The broth is where the magic happens: creamy, deeply flavorful, built on miso, tahini, and peanut butter.
Red chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar kick in a spicy, zippy heat. It reminds me so much of tan tan men, so if you’re already a fan, you’re going to be all over this.
5. Somen Noodle Soup with Pan-Fried Pork Belly
Bowl of comfort, coming right up. This beauty marries delicate somen noodles with pork belly that’s been pan fried until irresistibly crispy.
The pork soaks up a marinade of soy sauce, ginger, sugar, and salt, then brings a rich, savory punch that’s perfect against those mild noodles. Pure harmony.
6. Zucchini Noodles
Somen and zucchini join forces here, amped up with soy sauce for a salty punch and agave nectar for a little sweet balance. A spoonful of chili oil or lao gan ma brings the perfect touch of spice.
Then a shower of sesame seeds for that toasty finish. It’s a party in your mouth, folks, and it’s gorgeous, too.
7. Japanese Chilled Noodles & Dipping Sauce (Zaru Somen)
I’ve said it before: somen noodles are magical when they’re chilly. Zaru somen is the perfect hot weather dish, a plate of icy, silky noodles with a savory little bowl of tsuyu dipping sauce on the side.
You dip, you slurp, and it’s pure delight. Light, satisfying, and exactly what I crave when the temperature climbs.
8. Noodles with Fish Curry
Khanom jeen nam ya is a Thai treasure: a fragrant fish curry spooned over rice noodles. The curry is exceptional, made with mild fish and kra chai, an herb similar to ginger that’s a little hard to track down.
Some ingredients might take a treasure hunt outside Thailand, but that flavor payoff? Absolutely worth it.
9. Korean Banquet Noodles (Janchi Guksu)
Somen might be a Japanese ingredient, but it travels beautifully into other Asian kitchens, and janchi guksu is proof. This Korean soup stars thin wheat noodles in a crystal clear anchovy broth that’s absolutely delicious.
The name means “banquet noodles,” which makes perfect sense because you’ll find it at weddings, birthdays, and all kinds of celebrations. There’s a lovely belief that long noodles promise a long, happy life, and I’m totally here for that.
10. Roasted Cauliflower Japanese-Style Noodles
This dish is sunshine in a bowl: subtle somen noodles meet nutty roasted cauliflower. The noodles are a clean canvas, ready for whatever seasonal goodies you toss in.
The secret weapon is a tangy miso dressing whipped up with white miso, mirin, sesame oil, lemon, and ginger. Finish with crumbled hard boiled egg, green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of Sriracha for that extra spark.
11. Spicy Chili Oil Noodles
There’s something so magical about a humble chili oil transforming somen noodles into something fiery and bold. I make it with green onion, garlic, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and cilantro.
The real magic happens when you pour hot oil right over that mix, sizzling everything into the most incredible sauce. It’s simple and so, so good.
12. Somen Noodles with Scallops and Vegetables
Tender baby scallops, somen noodles, and a rainbow of veggies (edamame, zucchini, peppery arugula) come together in one glorious dish. All those layers of crunch and green freshness just get me.
A savory sauce clings to every strand and every scallop. It’s totally slurp worthy, satisfying, and just plain delicious.
13. Soy Sauce Noodles
This is a simple, savory breakfast staple in China, and I love how straightforward it is. Let the noodles simmer in chicken stock, stir in soy sauce, and you’re golden.
But you can absolutely make it your own. Toss on some green onions or bok choy, or even spinach and kale if you’re craving greens.
Want more protein? Crown it with a soy sauce egg or whatever leftover meat you’ve got hanging around.
14. Somen Noodle Soup (Nyumen)
When rain starts drumming on the window, all I want is a bowl of nyumen. It’s the coziest, most soothing Japanese noodle soup, with delicate somen floating in a simple dashi broth that’s quietly packed with flavor.
Shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, carrots, eggs, and fish cakes bring so much heartiness and texture. A scatter of green onions and sesame seeds on top adds that fresh pop of color and a little extra something.
15. Somen Salad
Somen noodles in a salad? Oh yes, it’s a thing, and it’s a Hawaiian favorite that’s as colorful as it is tasty.
Here, the noodles are the star, not the greens. It’s just cold somen tangled up with veggies, maybe some meat, and a savory soy dressing. Go wild with toppings, just be sure to slice everything whisper thin so it plays nice with those delicate noodles.
16. Vegan Miso Ramen
Straight from Japan with love: vegan miso ramen that’s all about earthy mushrooms, somen, and a mouthwatering miso veggie broth. Miso paste and soy sauce build the base, with that fermented soybean magic delivering deep umami.
A quality broth makes it incredibly satisfying, and a sprinkle of crushed nori brings a whisper of the ocean. It’s so comforting and rich, you’ll forget it’s entirely plant based.
17. Korean Spicy Cold Noodles (Bibim Guksu)
Bibim guksu is all about cold noodles drenched in a sweet, spicy, tangy gochujang sauce that wakes up your taste buds. Think of it as bibimbap with noodles taking center stage.
The best part? It’s a total playground for toppings. You can go from Korean pears to blanched squid, whatever your heart desires.