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Sesame Soba Noodles

Sesame Soba Noodles

Sesame Soba Noodles offer a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal combining nutty sesame with hearty buckwheat soba noodles. Ready in under 20 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect for light lunches, speedy dinners, or casual gatherings with friends. Fresh aromatics, a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, and simple ingredients make this recipe a satisfying and wholesome choice any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 100g soba noodles (100% buckwheat recommended)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Optional Ingredients

  • Shredded carrots or thin cucumber slices (for crunch and freshness)
  • Grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or edamame (for protein boost)
  • Chili flakes, sriracha, or sesame chili oil (for spice)
  • Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers (for added veggies)
  • Peanut butter or crushed peanuts (for a peanut twist)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Soba Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 4-5 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain the noodles and rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch for that perfect slippery texture.
  2. Prepare the Sesame Sauce: While the noodles cook, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Adjust the balance to your taste to ensure a harmonious, flavorful sauce.
  3. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Transfer the drained soba noodles to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared sesame sauce over the noodles and toss gently but thoroughly so every strand is evenly coated with the glossy, flavorful mixture.
  4. Add Fresh Ingredients and Garnish: Stir in sliced green onions and any optional vegetables you prefer. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously on top for an unmistakable nutty crunch in every bite. Optionally, add additional garnishes such as chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts to enhance texture and aroma.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the soba noodles; they should be tender yet firm. Rinse immediately after boiling to stop cooking.
  • Toast sesame seeds fresh in a dry pan just before use to maximize flavor.
  • Adjust the sauce’s sweetness and acidity according to your preference or based on the soy sauce brand.
  • This dish can be served warm or cold; chilling the noodles makes it a refreshing meal for warmer days.
  • You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and toss the noodles just before serving for convenience.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; toss with extra sesame oil before serving to refresh texture.
  • Avoid freezing soba noodles with sauce, as this can affect texture severely.
  • Reheat leftover noodles gently on a stovetop with a splash of water or broth. Avoid using a microwave to prevent uneven heating.

Nutrition

Keywords: sesame soba noodles, quick meal, buckwheat noodles, sesame sauce, vegan, gluten free, healthy noodles, easy dinner, Asian noodles