Spicy Somen with Steak Strips, Chilies & Mi
Submitted by Diogenes
Thin somen noodles stir-fried with seared steak strips, serrano chilies, fresh mint, and a soy-oyster sauce glaze. A fast, fiery Asian noodle bowl.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
15 minCOOK
30 minREADY
45 minIf you’ve never cooked with somen noodles, this is the recipe that’ll get you hooked.
These thin Japanese wheat noodles cook in under two minutes, then get tossed in a screaming hot wok with seared steak strips, browned onions, serrano chilies, and a sauce built from soy, oyster sauce, and beef broth. A generous handful of fresh mint and a squeeze of lime at the finish lift everything with bright, herbaceous punch.
It’s bold, it’s fast, and it eats like a restaurant dish you’d pay good money for.
Chef Tips
- Somen noodles overcook quickly. Boil them just 1.5 to 2 minutes, then rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Sear the steak in small batches over high heat so it browns instead of steaming. Crowding the wok kills the sear.
- Toss the noodles with sesame oil right after draining to prevent them from clumping into a sticky mass.
- Leave the serrano chilies whole for mild heat, or slice them open for a serious kick.
Ingredients
Directions
Note: Somen is thin white wheat noodles. Cook’s notes: Use caution when working with fresh chilies. Upon completion of slicing, wash work surface and hands thoroughly; do not touch your eyes. Most supermarkets stock oyster sauce in their Asian specialty sections.
Procedure: Cut the steak into 3-inch-by-¼ inch strips. Cut dark-green part of the onions into 3-inch pieces and finely chop the remainder. Thinly slice the onion.
Mince the garlic. Bring 4 quarts water and the salt to boil.
Add the noodles and cook uncovered over high heat, stirring with chopsticks or a fork, for 1½ to 2 minutes or until the noodles are just tender. Refresh under cold water and drain.
Transfer the noodles to a colander in a large bowl. Toss with sesame oil.
Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium- high heat.
Add sliced onion and chilies and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until onion is lightly browned. Transfer to a bowl and reserve.
Add 2 tablespoons oil to the wok and increase the heat to high. Stirfry the steak for 1 to 2 minutes, or until it just changes color. Transfer the steak to the bowl and reserve.
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining oil to the wok. Add garlic and green onions and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the noodles to the pan and heat thoroughly.
Add the broth, soy sauce and oyster sauce and heat thoroughly.
Add steak, onion slices, chilies, mint leaves and lime; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
Presentation: Serve the spicy somen on heated plates. The chilies can be removed or left in for garnish.
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