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Toshikoshi Soba means New Year’s Eve Noodles. The custom began in Japan in the Edo Period. The noodle represents long life. The noodle dish is a popular dish eaten on New Year’s Eve when ringing in the new year in Japan and while traveling to Japan to enjoy it in person may not be done as easily right now, making it at home can be done. Soba noodles are often found in Asian markets across the United States and are usually found in the International Aisle in the Commissary. In some parts of Japan, Udon is the more common noodle and is eaten. If you are unable to find Soba noodles, you can use the ramen noodles from the packet and skip the flavoring packet.
Why Soba?
Soba is an easily prepared meal, and the noodles are readily available in Japan. After a holiday of busy schedules and meals that take a lot of time and care to make, a soba dish is a welcome treat.
The soba noodle is also a lucky symbol in Japan. Soba noodles are made from buckwheat, a hardy plant that is has come to symbolize resilience due to its hardiness. The long length of the noodles often are regarded as a symbol for long life and longevity.
Ingredients
- Bonito Flakes
- Soy Sauce
- Mirin
- Sugar
- Nori (Seaweed flakes)
- Soba Noodles
- Toppings as desired (see below)
Preparation
To make the dashi stock for the noodle dish, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Once boiled, add in 2-3 cups of bonito flakes. Turn off the heat and let the flakes steep for 10 minutes. After that time, strain to remove the solids. You can save the solids to add as a topping to the noodles or discard – this is purely based on taste preference. Store the dashi stock in a bowl.
Using the pot you used for the broth, add ¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup of mirin and 1 TBL sugar, and a pinch of salt together. Mix and bring to a boil for about a minute. Then add in the dashi stock you made earlier.
In a separate pot, bring to boil salted water. Once it is boiling, put in the soba noodles, or any noodles you chose. Cook until tender. Once cooked, pull out the noodles and rinse them under cold water.
Serve the noodles covered in broth and with any toppings you desire. Nori sheets or flakes are common toppings as well as green onions. These are easily found in the international and produce aisles. You can also poach eggs to put on top to add creaminess to the dish. There are a myriad of “good luck” toppings as well.
Toppings
Soba isn’t just noodles and broth. And if you want to add extra luck to your new year, you will add these toppings.
Green onion- The Japanese Long Onion is called “Negi.” The verb “negu” in Japanese means “to pray for protection.” Adding green onions to your soba is thought to add protection.
Tofu – Tofu is considered a favorite food of the Japanese fox god Inari who oversees the harvest. So eating tofu with New Years Soba brings luck in trade and the harvest in the following year.
Seafood – Kamaboko, or red and white fish cakes, add the lucky colors of red and white to the noodle dish.
Whether you try your hand at New Years Soba this year or use it to take a break from the heavier meals of the holidays, here is to 2022 being a year of health, wealth, and luck for all!
