Somen Salad: Chill Out with this Recipe
Cool and tasty! Learn how to make a refreshing cold somen salad, Hawaiian style.
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What is Somen Salad?
Chilled noodle salad made with somen noodles, thin Japanese wheat noodles, served cold and topped with ingredients like eggs, kamaboko, lettuce, carrots or cucumbers, green onions, spam, and sesame seeds.
It’s super popular in Hawai‘i, especially at potlucks, BBQs, or local gatherings. It’s refreshing, easy to prep ahead, and the toppings can be customized however you like. It’s one of those local comfort foods that feels nostalgic and hits the spot on a hot day.
Where can you find Somen Salad?
You can find this refreshing dish in a few places, especially around Hawai‘i:
🍱 Local Plate Lunch Spots & Delis
Many local mom-and-pop shops, okazuya (Japanese deli), and lunch counters serve somen salad as a side dish—especially during warmer months.
🏫 School & Potluck Gatherings
It’s a staple at local parties, school functions, and potlucks. If someone’s bringing a cold dish to share, there’s a good chance it’s somen salad.
🛒 Grocery Stores
Some local grocery stores (like Foodland or Times Supermarket) offer pre-made somen salad in their deli or prepared food sections.
🍽️ Homemade
Most often, you’ll find it made at home! It’s a super easy dish to prep ahead, and everyone has their own version depending on what’s in the fridge.
What are the ingredients for Somen Salad?
Here’s a classic list of ingredients for Hawaiian-style somen salad:
- Somen noodles
- Kamaboko
- Scrambled egg or tamago strips
- Lettuce
- Cucumber
- Carrot
- Green onion
- Spam or ham or char siu
- Sesame seeds
- Dressing: shoyu, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil
Suggested ingredients
Here are some excellent options to order the ingredients online:
How do you make Somen Salad?
Here is a simple step-by-step:
- Boil somen noodles according to the package (usually 2-3 mins). Rinse under cold water and drain well.
- Prep the toppings by scrambling and cutting the eggs. Julienne cucumber, carrots, kamaboko, spam, and other toppings.
- Make the sauce by combining shoyu, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil. Adjust to taste.
- Lay the noodles in a dish, arrange toppings over the noodles, then drizzle with sauce.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Are there similar recipes?
If you are looking for more noodle dishes, try out these recipes:
Tips & FAQs
Can I make somen salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling. Just keep the toppings and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve so the noodles stay fresh.
Do I have to use kamaboko or Spam?
Nope! You can customize it with what you have—try boiled shrimp, tofu, ham, imitation crab, or even just veggies for a lighter version.
Is somen salad served hot or cold?
Cold! Always rinse the noodles in ice water after boiling to stop the cooking and keep them from getting mushy.
How long does it last in the fridge?
If stored properly in an airtight container, it can last about 2–3 days in the fridge. Keep the sauce separate for best texture.
Recipe Video:
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Cold Somen Salad
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) packaged somen noodles
- 1 lettuce head (sliced)
- 2 eggs (scrambled and sliced thin)
- ½ cucumber (julienned)
- 1 kamaboko (fish cake, sliced thin)
- 1 Spam or ham (optional, sliced and pan-fried)
- 1 green onion (thinly sliced)
- Toasted sesame seeds or furikake for garnish
🥢 Sauce (mix together):
- 6 tbsp sugar
- 6 tbsp Japanese Vinegar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp shoyu soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
Cook the noodles
- Boil the somen noodles according to the package (usually 4-5 mins). Rinse under cold water and drain well.
Prep the toppings
- Scramble and cook eggs in a thin layer, then slice into strips.
- Julienne cucumber and slice kamaboko, Spam, or other toppings.
Make the sauce
- Stir together shoyu, sugar, vinegar, and vegetable oil. Adjust to taste.
Assemble the salad
- Lay the noodles in a dish, arrange toppings over the noodles, then drizzle with sauce.
Chill and serve
- You can chill for 30 minutes or serve right away. Garnish with green onions, and sesame seeds.
I would put ice cubes on my noodles with some water to give it that ice cold refreshing taste.
Before your eat.. drain first
Mahalo
Great tip!