Craving a lightning-fast, mouthwatering meal that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Japan? Look no further than this incredible Soba Noodle Salad Bowl that promises restaurant-quality flavors in just 15 minutes! Imagine diving into a bowl of perfectly cooked buckwheat noodles, crisp vegetables, and a tantalizing sesame-soy dressing that will make your lunch break the highlight of your day. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves incredible taste without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your ultimate culinary shortcut!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz soba noodles
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup scallions, sliced
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of soba noodles to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-6 minutes, until the noodles are tender but still firm (al dente).
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare your vegetables. Julienne 1 cup of cucumber and 1/2 cup of carrots. To julienne, cut the cucumber and carrots into thin matchstick-like strips for a nice texture in your salad.
- Once the soba noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This will also help to remove excess starch, preventing the noodles from becoming sticky.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled soba noodles, julienned cucumber, and carrots. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Mix well until combined.
- Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
- Next, add 1/4 cup of sesame seeds and 1/4 cup of sliced scallions to the salad. Toss again to distribute these toppings evenly throughout the salad.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This dish can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a refreshing option.
- Serve the soba noodle salad in bowls and enjoy your quick and easy Japanese-inspired meal!
Tips
- • Always rinse soba noodles in cold water after cooking to prevent clumping and maintain their perfect texture • Use a sharp knife for precise julienne cuts on your vegetables for that professional restaurant presentation • For extra flavor, toast your sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the salad • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and tastes even better after chilling for an hour, making it perfect for meal prep • Experiment with adding protein like grilled tofu, shredded chicken, or edamame to make it more substantial • If you can't find rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar makes an excellent substitute • For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
