Tsukemen

Tsukemen is a popular type of Japanese cuisine that consists of noodles which are eaten after being dipped in a separate bowl of soup or broth. The dish is particularly popular during the summer months in Japan, but can be enjoyed year-round.

History

Tsukemen was first created in 1961 by Kazuo Yamagishi, a restaurateur in Tokyo, Japan. He was inspired to create a dish that allowed the diner to enjoy the noodles and soup separately, enhancing the flavor of both components. The dish quickly gained popularity and is now a staple in many ramen restaurants across Japan and around the world.

Preparation and Serving

Tsukemen consists of two main components: the noodles and the dipping sauce. The noodles, typically thick, are served cold while the dipping sauce, often a rich pork or fish broth, is served hot. The contrast between the cold noodles and hot soup is a key characteristic of the dish.

The noodles are usually served with toppings such as nori (seaweed), chashu (braised pork), menma (bamboo shoots), and a boiled egg. The dipping sauce is typically flavored with soy sauce, mirin, and sake, and can be customized with additional ingredients like chili oil or vinegar to suit individual tastes.

To eat Tsukemen, a small portion of noodles is picked up with chopsticks and dipped into the soup before eating. Once the noodles are finished, it is common to add a lighter broth to the remaining dipping sauce, turning it into a soup that can be drunk directly.

Variations

There are many variations of Tsukemen, with different types of noodles, broths, and toppings used. Some popular variations include miso Tsukemen, spicy Tsukemen, and Tsukemen with yuzu (a type of citrus) flavored broth.

See Also

• Ramen
• Soba
• Udon
• Japanese Cuisine