Soba Noodle Salad (Japan)

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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This Soba Noodle Salad is a light, refreshing dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Japan to your table. It's perfect for those warm days when you crave something cool and satisfying, yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients for Soba Noodle Salad (Japan)

Soba noodles are the heart of this salad, offering a nutty flavor and chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the crisp vegetables. Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, while carrots bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Red bell pepper complements these with its subtle sweetness and juicy bite.

Green onions bring a mild, fresh onion flavor that lifts the dish. Cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness, though you can skip it if it's not your favorite. Sesame seeds, when toasted, add a delightful nuttiness and a bit of crunch.

The dressing is a blend of soy sauce for savory depth, rice vinegar for a tangy kick, and sesame oil which gives a rich, toasty aroma. Honey provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance everything out. Fresh ginger and garlic add warmth and complexity, while red pepper flakes give a gentle heat that's just right.

Tips & Tricks

  • Rinse the soba noodles thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent them from becoming gummy.
  • Toasting sesame seeds is easy: just toss them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant — about 3-4 minutes.
  • If you prefer a bit more sweetness, add an extra teaspoon of honey to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is delightful on its own as a light meal, but you can also serve it alongside grilled shrimp or chicken for a more substantial dish. It pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of sake or a crisp white wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it's actually even more flavorful if you let it sit in the refrigerator for an hour before serving. Just add the sesame seeds right before serving for the best texture.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would make great additions.
I don't have rice vinegar. Can I use something else?
Yes, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch.

Soba Noodle Salad (Japan) Recipe Walkthrough

First, cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. They usually take about 5-7 minutes in boiling water. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together. Drain well and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles with cucumber, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Make sure everything is well distributed so each bite is packed with flavor.

To make the dressing, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture.

Toss everything gently to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Before serving, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare — ready in just 20 minutes.
  • Packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables.
  • Balances savory, sweet, and spicy flavors perfectly.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.

Ingredients

8 oz soba noodles
1 cup cucumber, julienned
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse them under cold water and drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine the soba noodles, cucumber, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine.
5. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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