[Save This Forever] Soba-Shop-Quality Soba Tsuyu

Add bonito flakes to a pot and dry-toast over medium heat.

Once a roasted aroma develops, add water, mirin, and kongo-bushi; cook 2 minutes over low heat.

Add soy sauce and sugar; cook 1 minute over low heat without letting it boil.

Heat store-bought tempura over low heat with no oil to drive off moisture; wipe away any oil that comes out.

Once both sides crisp up, add sesame oil and finish frying so it coats evenly.

Bring plenty of water to a boil over high heat in a pot, then boil the soba 30 seconds shy of the package time.

Drain the soba and rinse, lightly massaging it to remove the surface starch.

Drain well, then dip the soba into the warm tsuyu for ~30 seconds to warm it.

Plate the soba, pour over the tsuyu, and top with tempura, kamaboko, and scallion.