Sesame Soba Noodles Recipe

I’ve stumbled upon a magical culinary gem that transforms humble soba noodles into an outrageously tasty dish that’s perfect for those days when you crave something light but flavor-packed. Let me take you on a delicious adventure with this sesame soba noodle salad that’s as thrilling as it is easy to make!

I love to devise recipes that are both healthful and delectable, and these Sesame Soba Noodles are a superlative example. They’re packed with a healthy blend of sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh ginger, but the real treat here is how vibrant and fresh the dish tastes, thanks to the raw vegetables.

The textural contrasts from the crisp bell peppers and crunchy, nutty finish from the sesame seeds make this dish a real winner. And did I mention that soba noodles pack a good punch of protein?

Here’s how to make them.

Ingredients

• Soba Noodles: Rich in protein and fiber, low in fat.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty flavor, rich in healthy fats.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami, source of sodium.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds mild acidity, low in calories.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness, adds balanced sweetness.
• Fresh Ginger: Aids digestion, adds warmth.
• Garlic: Boosts flavor, offers antioxidant properties.
• Sesame Seeds: Nutty texture, source of calcium.
• Scallions: Freshness, a source of vitamin K.
• Carrots: Add sweetness, packed with beta-carotene.
• Bell Peppers: Crunchy, high in vitamin C.
• Chili Sauce: Optional heat, boosts metabolism.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 ounces soba noodles
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup sliced scallions
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chili sauce for heat

How to Make this

1. Prepare the soba noodles as per the instructions on the package. Drain and rinse with cold water to ensure they are no longer cooking, and set them aside.

2. Combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl and whisk to form a dressing.

3. In a big mixing basin, stir together the soba noodles that have been cooked and cooled, and the dressing, so that all the noodles are dressed evenly.

1. big mixing basin

2. cooked and cooled soba noodles

3. dressing

4. stir together

5. serve on large platter.

4. Toss the noodles with the sesame seeds again, so they are scattered all over the dish.

5. Incorporate the sliced scallions, shredded carrots, and sliced bell peppers into the noodle mixture.

6. If you want an extra punch of flavor, mix together the chili sauce and the other ingredients and toss them until they are well combined. If you don’t want to use that much sauce or don’t want to sauce the chicken, you can also serve the sauce on the side.

7. Allow the noodles to sit for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

8. Move the noodles to a serving dish or serve individual bowls.

9. If desired, for additional flavor and presentation, garnish with extra sesame seeds and scallions.

10. Serving at room temperature or chilled allows the dish to express its full flavor potential. To recap:

1. Room temperature

2. Chilled

3. ENJOY!

Equipment Needed

1. Pot
2. Colander
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Grater
6. Small bowl for dressing
7. Whisk
8. Large mixing bowl
9. Spoon or tongs for mixing
10. Serving platter or individual bowls

FAQ

• Q: Can I use any type of noodles for this recipe?Soba noodles are the most authentic choice, but you can use other kinds of noodles. For example, whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles work just fine in their place.
• Q: Can this dish be served cold?A: Indeed, sesame soba noodles can be served at various temperatures—warm, room temperature, or cold—making them quite a versatile dish.
• Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?A: Make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soba noodles and substituting tamari for the soy sauce.
• Q: Is the chili sauce necessary?A. The optional chili sauce adds heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can leave it out.
• Q: How long do leftovers last?A: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, as long as they’re in an airtight container.
• Q: Can I add protein to this dish?A: For sure! Adding proteins like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp works wonderfully to enhance the protein profile.
• Q: What can I substitute for honey to make it vegan?A: Use maple syrup to make the dish suitable for vegans.

Sesame Soba Noodles Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Soba noodles: You may use whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles as substitutes; if you want to keep it gluten-free, use rice noodles.
Sesame oil: Experiment with toasted peanut oil or grapeseed oil.
Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives.
Sweeteners such as agave nectar or brown rice syrup can be used in place of honey or maple syrup.
Rice vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar work as substitutes.

Pro Tips

1. Rinse Soba Noodles Thoroughly After cooking the soba noodles, rinse them well under cold water to remove excess starch, preventing them from becoming sticky and clumping together.

2. Adjust Sweetness Taste the dressing before mixing it with the noodles. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter flavor, or balance it with a bit more rice vinegar for a tangier sauce.

3. Fresh Ginger Use freshly grated ginger instead of pre-ground ginger to infuse the dish with a more vibrant and intense flavor.

4. Toast Sesame Seeds For added depth of flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet until they are golden brown. This brings out their nutty aroma and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

5. Customize Vegetables Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like thinly sliced cucumbers, radishes, or edamame for added texture and nutrition. These will also add a nice crunch and color variation to the dish.