Neon Agar-Agar Noodles (Printable)

Bright neon agar-agar noodles served chilled with a flavorful soy-based dipping sauce and playful garnishes.

# What You Need:

→ Neon Agar-Agar Noodles

01 - 2 1/8 cups water
02 - 0.25 oz agar-agar powder
03 - 1 tablespoon sugar
04 - Assorted neon food coloring, gel or liquid, food-safe

→ Dipping Sauce

05 - 1/3 cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
06 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon mirin
08 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
09 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
10 - 1 teaspoon sugar
11 - 1 scallion, finely sliced
12 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

→ Garnish

13 - Microgreens or edible flowers (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a saucepan, combine water, agar-agar powder, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until agar-agar is fully dissolved, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
02 - Remove from heat and divide the liquid into separate bowls corresponding to each desired color. Add one or two drops of food coloring to each bowl and stir until evenly mixed.
03 - Using a syringe or squeeze bottle, pipe the colored agar mixtures into a bowl of ice water, forming noodle-like strands. Allow to set for 1 to 2 minutes until firm. Alternatively, pour the mixture into a flat tray, let set, then slice into thin noodles with a sharp knife.
04 - Collect the noodles, rinse briefly under cold water, drain, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, sesame oil, grated ginger, and sugar until sugar dissolves. Fold in sliced scallion and toasted sesame seeds if using.
06 - Arrange the chilled neon agar-agar noodles in small bundles. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers if desired. Serve alongside the dipping sauce.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a total conversation starter that looks like edible art but takes less time than you'd think.
  • The bouncy texture is genuinely fun to eat, and people will ask you how you made it.
  • It's naturally vegan and can be gluten-free, so it works for almost any table.
02 -
  • Agar-agar sets as it cools, so you have to work fast once it comes off the heat—have your bowls and colors ready before you start.
  • Ice water is essential; room-temperature water won't set the noodles properly, and they'll turn into a sad gel puddle instead of bouncy strands.
03 -
  • Keep your ice water bowl filled with fresh ice, because as the noodles chill the water warms up and slows the setting process.
  • Squeeze bottles work better than syringes if your hands get tired, and you'll have more control over noodle thickness if you take your time and let muscle memory guide you.
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