Zaru Soba with Dipping Sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the dipping sauce
   In a small saucepan, combine dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat, let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
2. Cook the soba noodles
   Bring a large pot of water to a 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 retain a slight firmness.
3. Rinse and cool the noodles
   Drain the noodles in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water. Use your hands to gently massage the noodles while rinsing to remove excess starch. Once cooled, transfer noodles to an ice bath for 1-2 minutes to chill completely.
4. Drain and arrange noodles
   Thoroughly drain the chilled noodles and arrange them on a bamboo zaru mat or flat plate. If using a bamboo mat, place it over a plate to catch any dripping water. Sprinkle the noodles with nori strips and sesame seeds.
5. Prepare the garnishes
   Place green onions, wasabi, and grated daikon in small individual serving dishes. These will be added to the dipping sauce according to each person's preference.
6. Serve the dish
   Pour the chilled dipping sauce into individual small bowls. Each person should mix their desired amount of wasabi, green onions, and daikon into their dipping sauce before eating. To eat, take a small portion of noodles, dip them into the sauce, and enjoy.