Chilled Green Tea Noodles with Asian Herbs & Salmon Roe
The Japanese have a tradition of serving chilled noodles in the summer. The first time I came across this was about 7 years ago, when I worked at Nudel Bar on Bourke St in Melbourne. Nudel Bars specialty is (surprise surprise) noodles! They serve noodles from all over the world, and their menu is sure to please the fussiest of eaters and those who are just after a cheap and cheerful bite. One of the more popular dishes is Cold Green Tea noodles with a Lemon and Soy Dressing, created by chef John Mckay- a wonderful and refreshing combination served with avocado or with smoked salmon.
Yesterday was a hot day and as summery as it gets here in Melbourne. My feisty nature does not appreciate the heat, but I did enjoy this curious noodle dish. Not exactly how it is done at Nudle Bar, but I think my interpretation was pleasant and refreshing. And that is how summer food should be.
Ingredients
200g Japanese green tea noodles (cha soba)
1 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, plus extra
2 tsp of light soy
A touch of wasabi paste
Zest of 1 lemon, finely julienned
Juice of half a lemon or to taste
Fresh black pepper
Lots of Asian herbs (Thai basil, Vietnamese mint and coriander)
Salmon roe (I use Russian)
Pickled ginger
Method
Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add the noodles and cook until they are done. Al dente is not the idea here. Asian noodles are cooked to a more soft stage, than Italian pasta. Rinse them immediately in cold water to arrest the cooking and remove all the surface starch. Allow them to drain for a few minutes and then toss with a bit of oil, so the noodles do not clump together as they chill, covered in the fridge.
In a small bowl, combine the oil, soy and wasabi.
Toss the noodles with this dressing, followed by the lemon zest, lemon juice to taste and as many herbs as you desire.
Serve on individual plates immediately, topped with salmon roe and with a small bowl of pickled ginger on the side. Serves 3.
Note-Japanese noodles are available from Asian food stores. I have also seen them in supermarkets
