Recipe

Wanko Soba - A Flavorful Journey Through Japanese Cuisine

Savor the Delights of Wanko Soba: A Bite-Sized Adventure in Japanese Cuisine

4.5 out of 5

Wanko Soba is a traditional Japanese dish that originated in the Iwate Prefecture. It is a unique culinary experience where diners are served small portions of soba noodles in small bowls, encouraging them to eat as much as they can. This recipe captures the essence of Japanese cuisine, showcasing the delicate flavors and textures of Wanko Soba.

Noodle Dish› Wanko soba

Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Japanese cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

30 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Pescatarian, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low-fat, Low-calorie

Allergens

Shellfish (if using shrimp tempura), Wheat (if using regular soba noodles)

Not suitable for

Gluten-free (unless using gluten-free soba noodles), Vegan, Vegetarian, High-protein, High-fiber

Ingredients

200g (7 oz) soba noodles 200g (7 oz) soba noodles
4 cups (950ml) dashi broth 4 cups (950ml) dashi broth
1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin 2 tablespoons mirin
2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Tempura (shrimp, vegetables, or both), for topping Tempura (shrimp, vegetables, or both), for topping
Grated daikon radish, for topping Grated daikon radish, for topping

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.5g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 5g
Protein: 10g
Fiber: 5g
Salt: 2g

Preparation

1.
Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2.
In a saucepan, bring the dashi broth to a simmer. Add the soy sauce and mirin, and stir well.
3.
Divide the cooked soba noodles into small bowls.
4.
Pour the hot broth over the noodles, filling each bowl.
5.
Top each bowl with sliced green onions, tempura, and grated daikon radish.
6.
Serve immediately and encourage guests to eat as much as they can, refilling the bowls as needed.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Soba noodles — Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but be careful not to overcook them as they should have a slightly chewy texture.
Tempura — You can use either pre-made tempura or make your own by dipping vegetables or shrimp in a light batter and frying until crispy.
Grated daikon radish — Use a grater to grate the daikon radish just before serving to maintain its freshness and crispness.

Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the broth, you can add a small piece of kombu (dried kelp) while simmering the dashi broth.
Encourage guests to slurp the noodles, as it is considered a sign of enjoyment in Japanese culture.
Experiment with different toppings such as tempura flakes, sesame seeds, or shredded nori for added texture and flavor.
Serve Wanko Soba alongside a variety of small side dishes to create a well-rounded meal.
If you can't find dashi broth, you can substitute it with a mixture of vegetable broth and soy sauce for a vegetarian version.

Serving advice

Serve Wanko Soba in small bowls, allowing guests to refill their bowls as they eat. Encourage a lively and interactive dining experience by engaging in friendly competition to see who can eat the most bowls.

Presentation advice

Arrange the bowls of Wanko Soba on a large platter, garnished with additional green onions and grated daikon radish. This not only adds visual appeal but also allows guests to easily access the toppings for refills.