Ika sōmen facts for kids
Ika sōmen (イカそうめん, 烏賊素麺, いかソーメン, "squid noodles") is a special Japanese dish. It's a type of sashimi, which means it's made from raw squid. The squid is cut into very thin strips, almost like noodles. These strips look a lot like sōmen noodles, which is where the dish gets its name.
People usually eat Ika sōmen with grated ginger and soy sauce. Sometimes, they use a special soy sauce-based noodle sauce called mentsuyu. Just like regular noodles, Ika sōmen is often slurped up when eaten. This dish is very popular in Hokkaidō, especially in Hakodate, which is a famous fishing port.
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What is Ika Sōmen?
Ika sōmen is a unique way to enjoy fresh squid. Even though it has "sōmen" (noodles) in its name, it's actually a type of sashimi. Sashimi means thinly sliced raw fish or seafood. Some people call Ika sōmen by another name, ito-zukuri. This means "thread cut," which perfectly describes how the squid is prepared. The name Ika sōmen itself became popular only in more recent times.
How is it Made?
To make Ika sōmen, the fresh squid is carefully prepared.
Cutting the Squid
First, the squid's main body (called the fillet) is cut into two or three pieces. Then, these pieces are sliced into very thin strips. Some chefs say it's best to cut the strips vertically. This helps keep the squid from becoming too chewy. The strips are usually about 5 millimeters wide. They are made to look like thin noodles, just like sōmen.
Serving the Dish
Ika sōmen is often served piled high in a bowl, called a donburi. It comes with grated ginger and soy sauce. Sometimes, a special noodle sauce called mentsuyu is used instead. In places like Hakodate, it might also be served on a flat plate. When served this way, it's often eaten with wasabi and soy sauce. This makes it very similar to other types of squid sashimi.
Freshness Matters
The freshest Ika sōmen comes from port towns where squid are caught. When the squid is very fresh, it looks a bit see-through. It also has a wonderful texture and a sweet taste. Squid caught in the morning and shipped alive are especially delicious!
Types of Squid Used
In Japan, the most common type of squid used for this dish is the surume ika, also known as the Japanese flying squid. This type of squid is caught in large numbers starting in early summer. Sometimes, more expensive kinds of squid are used. These can include the yari ika (Loligo bleekeri) or the aori ika (bigfin reef squid). You can also find Ika sōmen already packed and ready to eat in many stores across Japan.
Is it Safe to Eat?
Like all raw seafood, eating Ika sōmen has a small risk. Sometimes, raw squid can have tiny parasites called Anisakis. If you eat raw squid with these parasites, you could get a stomach ache. This condition is called anisakiasis. However, restaurants and food producers usually take steps to make sure their seafood is safe. It's always good to know about these things when eating raw dishes.
