Cold Soba Noodle Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Dish
Summer calls for light and refreshing meals, and cold soba noodles fit the bill perfectly. This recipe provides a delicious and healthy option, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. It's also easily customizable to your taste preferences!
What You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to serve two, but you can easily double or triple the ingredients as needed.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces dried soba noodles
- 1 cup ice water
- ½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or to taste)
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: shredded carrots, cucumber, edamame, nori seaweed, cooked shrimp, sliced avocado, sesame seeds
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
- Cook the soba noodles according to package directions. Generally, this involves boiling water, adding the noodles, and cooking for around 5-7 minutes until al dente. Avoid overcooking.
- Once cooked, immediately rinse the noodles under cold water until completely chilled. This stops the cooking process and prevents the noodles from sticking together. You can even add ice to the water for extra cooling. Drain well.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sugar. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You may want more or less sugar depending on your sweetness preference.
Step 3: Assemble Your Bowl
- Divide the chilled soba noodles between two bowls.
- Pour the dressing evenly over the noodles.
- Toss gently to coat the noodles completely with the dressing.
- Add your choice of toppings. Shredded carrots and cucumber add a nice crunch, while edamame provides extra protein. Nori seaweed offers a salty, umami flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy this cool and satisfying summer dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp are excellent additions to this recipe, boosting its protein content.
- Vegetarian/Vegan options: Easily make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by omitting any non-vegetarian toppings and ensuring your soy sauce is gluten-free if needed.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the noodles and add the dressing just before serving to keep them nice and cold.
This cold soba noodle recipe is a versatile and refreshing dish that's perfect for hot weather. Experiment with different toppings and seasonings to find your perfect combination! Enjoy!
