Tenzaru is a delightful and refreshing Japanese dish that consists of cold soba noodles served with a side of tempura. It is a popular choice, especially during the hot summer months, as the chilled noodles and crispy tempura offer a light and cooling meal. Here’s a description of Tenzaru:
Cold Soba Noodles:
Soba noodles are thin, buckwheat noodles that have a distinct nutty flavor. They are made from buckwheat flour and wheat flour, giving them a slightly brownish color. Soba noodles are known for their health benefits and are a staple in Japanese cuisine.
To prepare Tenzaru, the soba noodles are first cooked in boiling water until they are tender but still have a pleasing bite. Once cooked, the noodles are immediately rinsed with cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool them down rapidly.
The chilled soba noodles are then drained and served on a bamboo or ceramic tray, often accompanied by a small dipping sauce called “tsuyu.” The tsuyu is made from a mixture of soy sauce, mirin (a sweet rice wine), dashi (fish and seaweed broth), and sometimes a hint of sweet rice vinegar. It adds a savory and umami-rich flavor to the cold soba noodles.
Tempura:
Tempura is a popular Japanese dish consisting of deep-fried battered vegetables and seafood. Common tempura ingredients include shrimp, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and green beans.
To serve alongside the cold soba noodles, a selection of tempura is presented on a separate plate or dish. The tempura is usually crispy and light, with a delicate and golden-brown outer layer, thanks to the tempura batter used for frying.
The tempura is often accompanied by a small dish of tentsuyu, a tempura dipping sauce, which is made from a similar mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. The tentsuyu adds a touch of saltiness and enhances the flavors of the tempura.
Serving:
To enjoy Tenzaru, the chilled soba noodles are taken by chopsticks and dipped into the tsuyu or tempura dipping sauce, ensuring they are coated with the savory flavors.
The tempura is picked up with chopsticks and can also be dipped into the tentsuyu before eating, adding an extra layer of taste to the crispy fried delights.
Tenzaru is a delightful and well-balanced dish, offering a combination of textures and flavors that is both satisfying and refreshing. It is a beloved choice among those who appreciate the delicate taste of soba noodles and the irresistible crispiness of tempura, making it a classic favorite in Japanese cuisine.
