Cold Soba Noodles with Dipping Sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the dipping sauce
   Combine dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
2. Cook the soba noodles
   Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add soba noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Do not overcook as noodles should maintain a slight bite.
3. Rinse and chill the noodles
   Drain noodles in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water. Use your hands to gently rub the noodles to remove excess starch. Continue rinsing until noodles are completely cold. Then place noodles in a bowl of ice water for 1-2 minutes to firm up.
4. Drain and arrange noodles
   Thoroughly drain the noodles and arrange them neatly on individual serving plates or on a bamboo mat (zaru). Traditionally, soba is presented in neat, folded portions.
5. Prepare the garnishes
   Place green onions, wasabi, grated daikon, and nori strips in small individual dishes to be served alongside the noodles, allowing diners to add them to their dipping sauce according to taste.
6. Serve the dish
   Pour the chilled dipping sauce (tsuyu) into individual small bowls. To eat, take a small portion of noodles, dip them into the sauce, and enjoy. Add garnishes to the dipping sauce as desired.