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Saimin

Saimin is a popular soup from Hawaii, consisting of soba noodles cooked in a dashi base garnished with kamaboko, onions, pork or sliced ​​spam.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs 20 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 35 mins
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 212 kcal
Course: Main Course , Soup
Cuisine: American , Hawaiian

Ingredients

For the dashi konbu (broth)
  • 2 oz. dried bonito
  • 5 dried shiitake mushrooms , cut in small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
  • 1 small leaf dashi konbu (dried kelp)
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon monosodium glutamate (MSG)
For the saimin
  • 4 quarts water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 8 oz. dry Japanese soba noodles
  • 4 cups dashi konbu
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Toppings (to taste)
  • kamaboko (dried Japanese surimi), thinly sliced
  • SPAM , sliced
  • ham , sliced
  • roast pork , sliced
  • char siu (barbecue grilled pork)
  • carrots , sliced
  • green cabbage , sliced
  • bok choy , chopped
  • ​​Shiitakes , sliced
  • peas
  • eggs (fried or scrambled)
  • scallions
  • chive
  • small shrimp , cooked, shelled, and deveined
  • dried shrimps

Instructions

Dashi Konbu
    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring all the ingredients (except salt and MSG) to a boil.
  2. Lower the heat and simmer covered over low heat for about 2 hours. Add salt and MSG.
Saimin
  1. In a large pot, pour 4 quarts of water and salt.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the soba noodles and boil for 5 minutes or until al dente.
  4. Drain, rinse with warm running water, and reserve until ready to serve.
  5. In a large pot, add the dashi konbu and ginger.
  6. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Add the soy sauce and the selected toppings.
  8. Simmer for 5 more minutes or until the toppings are cooked. Remove from heat.
  9. Place the cooked soba noodles in a large soup bowl.
  10. Add the broth mixture with the selected toppings and serve immediately.