Tanabata Festival Somen Recipe

🌟 Celebrate the magic of Tanabata with a refreshing twist on tradition! 💫 This year, we’re diving into a delightful Somen dish that captures the joy of wishing on stars. Easy to make and perfect for summer gatherings, this recipe blends light, savory flavors that will transport you straight to the festival. ✨🌙 Gather your friends and loved ones, and let’s make some wishes over a bowl of delicious Somen noodles!

In Japan, July 7th is also “Somen day”. This tradition dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), when the custom of eating somen noodles on Tanabata day began, as their long, thin shape was likened to the Milky Way. Served cold, somen is a refreshing choice during the hot summer months.

In addition to their pleasant taste, somen symbolize wealth and prosperity, as their slender form represents a long and flourishing life. Enjoying somen on this festive occasion beautifully aligns with the themes of celebration, hope, and well-wishing for the future.

Tanabata Festival Somen Recipe – 3 servings

Ingredients

  • Somen Noodles: 300 g
  • Toppings:
    Japanese Cucumber: 1 pc
    Sliced Ham: 3 slices
    Egg: 1 pc
  • Condiments:
    Shredded Aojiso
    Grated Ginger
    Minced Green Onions
    Toasted Sesame
    Sliced Lime or Key Lime
  • Mentsuyu: Straight or Dilute with Water as directed on the bottle label

Directions

  1. Make Usuyaki Tamago: Beat an egg with a pinch of salt and cook it in a non-stick skillet to create a thin omelet. Once cooled, cut into star shapes using a cookie cutter.
  2. Slice Toppings: Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut cucumber and ham into star shapes.
  3. Prepare Condiments: Set out mentsuyu and any additional condiments.
  4. Cook Somen Noodles: Boil water and tie a bundle of somen noodles with cooking twine. Cook for 1-2 minutes according to package instructions.
  5. Rinse Noodles: Rinse cooked somen in ice-cold water while keeping the twine. Fold the noodles inward and arrange them in a flowing river shape on a serving dish.
  6. Add Toppings: Decorate the somen with the star-shaped cucumber, ham, and omelet.
  7. Serve: Present with mentsuyu and condiments on the side. Enjoy!