How to Make Korean Cold Buckwheat Noodles (Memil Soba)

Memil Soba (Korean Cold Buckwheat Noodles) is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for hot summer days. Similar to Japanese soba, this dish features chewy buckwheat noodles served cold with a savory dipping sauce, known as tsuyu or mentsuyu. It's a quick and simple dish that balances savory, salty, and umami flavors. Here's how to make Memil Soba at home.

Ingredients (for 2 servings)

• 200 grams dried buckwheat soba noodles
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into thin strips
• 1/2 cucumber, julienned (optional)
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

For the Dipping Sauce (Tsuyu):

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin (or 1 teaspoon sugar as a substitute)
• 1/2 teaspoon dashi powder (optional, for more umami flavor)

7 Steps to Make Memil Soba

1. Cook the Buckwheat Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the buckwheat noodles according to the package instructions (usually 4-5 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process.

Tip: Rinse the noodles thoroughly in cold water to remove excess starch, which helps them stay firm and chewy.

2. Prepare the Dipping Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine water, soy sauce, mirin, and dashi powder. Bring the mixture to a boil and then remove it from the heat. Let the sauce cool down completely. You can refrigerate the sauce to serve it chilled.

Tip: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra teaspoon of sugar or mirin.

3. Prepare Toppings

While the noodles are chilling, prepare your toppings. Finely chop the green onions, cut the nori into thin strips, and julienne the cucumber if using.

4. Arrange the Noodles

Once the noodles are well-chilled, divide them between two serving plates. Garnish the noodles with green onions, nori strips, and sesame seeds. If you're using cucumber, arrange the slices on the side.

Tip: For a more elegant presentation, you can coil the noodles into small bundles on the plate.

5. Serve the Dipping Sauce

Serve the chilled dipping sauce (tsuyu) in small individual bowls. You can also add a pinch of wasabi or a dash of grated ginger to the sauce for extra flavor if desired.

6. Dip the Noodles

To eat, simply dip a small portion of the noodles into the sauce and enjoy. The cold, chewy noodles paired with the savory and slightly sweet dipping sauce create a refreshing and balanced flavor.

7. Optional Additions

If you want to elevate the dish, you can add toppings like tempura or even a soft-boiled egg on the side. Some variations also include adding grated daikon radish or shiso leaves.

Tip: Adding a small squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce or topping with grated ginger can brighten up the flavors.

Pro Tips for Perfect Memil Soba:

1. Chill the noodles well: For the best texture, make sure the noodles are rinsed thoroughly and served cold. You can even place them in an ice bath before serving.
2. Adjust the dipping sauce: Feel free to customize the sauce by adding more soy sauce, sugar, or dashi depending on your flavor preferences.
3. Versatile toppings: Experiment with different toppings like tempura, boiled eggs, or pickled vegetables to enhance the dish.
4. Serve immediately: Memil Soba is best served fresh and cold. Prepare the noodles and sauce just before serving for the best experience.

Enjoy your light and refreshing Memil Soba, perfect for a simple yet delicious meal!