Soba noodles are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They are made from buckwheat flour and have a delicious nutty, earthy flavor.
This sesame soba noodle recipe combines the hearty noodles with a simple yet flavorful sesame sauce. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and so satisfying.
An Introduction to Soba Noodles
Soba noodles have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries. In fact, soba noodles date back to the Edo period, between 1603 to 1868. They are often served on New Year’s Eve as a symbol of prosperity and long life.
Soba noodles have a grayish-brown color and are thinner than many other types of noodles. The buckwheat flour gives them their distinctive flavor. They are delicious hot or cold and can be paired with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients.
Some key benefits of soba noodles include:
- High in nutrients: buckwheat is higher in protein than regular wheat flour. Soba noodles also provide magnesium, potassium, and various B vitamins.
- Gluten-free options Many soba noodle brands make 100% buckwheat noodles that are safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Whole grain: Since soba is made from buckwheat, it offers the benefits of whole grains like fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
- Versatile ingredient: Soba noodles can be incorporated into soups, salads, stir fries, and more. Their mild flavor pairs well with many sauces.
This sesame soba noodle recipe highlights the delicious flavor of the noodles along with the nuttiness of toasted sesame oil and seeds. It’s a simple yet extremely tasty dish!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Sesame Soba Noodles
- Look for 100% buckwheat soba noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Boil soba noodles just until tender. They can get mushy if overcooked.
- Rinse the noodles with cold water after cooking to remove excess starch.
- Use toasted sesame oil for the best nutty flavor.
- Mix up the protein by topping with cooked shrimp, chicken, or fried tofu.
- Add some veggies like shredded carrots, baby spinach, or kimchi.
- Swap the soy sauce for tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Play with different garnishes like pickled ginger, chili crisp, or furikake.
- These noodles are delicious hot or chilled, perfect for meals or as a cold salad.
With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-quality sesame soba noodles at home. This versatile recipe is endlessly adaptable, so get creative with mix-ins and toppings!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Soba Noodles
What are soba noodles made of?
Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour, also called soba-ko flour. Some soba noodles also contain wheat flour. Check the label to find 100% buckwheat soba noodles for a gluten-free option.
Are soba noodles healthy?
Yes! Soba noodles have more protein than regular wheat noodles. They also provide nutrients like fiber, magnesium, antioxidants, and B vitamins. Look for soba made from just buckwheat flour for the healthiest option.
What do soba noodles taste like?
Soba noodles have a mild, nutty, and earthy flavor. They are delicious paired with brothy soups, stir-fried veggies, sesame sauce, and dashi. Their texture is firm but not as chewy as whole-wheat pasta.
How do you cook soba noodles?
Boil soba noodles for 4-5 minutes until tender but still firm. Avoid overcooking, or they will get mushy. Drain and quickly rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. Top soba noodles with your desired sauces, proteins, and veggies.
Can you replace soba with other noodles?
The unique flavor and texture of soba noodles are hard to replicate. But in a pinch, you can substitute whole-wheat linguine or udon noodles. Just note that the dish won’t have that signature soba taste and texture.
What is the traditional way to eat soba noodles?
In Japan, soba is often served in broth as a noodle soup. It’s also common to dip the noodles in tsuyu sauce. Soba can be served hot or chilled. Toppings like green onions, tempura, and seaweed are often added.
I hope this FAQ helps answer any questions you may have about cooking with soba noodles! Let me know if you have any other soba noodle tips or favorite recipe ideas.
Ready to Try This Sesame Soba Noodle Recipe?
This sesame soba noodle recipe is a flavorful and easy weekday meal that can be customized in endless ways. The combination of nutty, chewy soba noodles with the toasted sesame dressing is simply delicious. Plus, it’s nutrition-packed thanks to the whole-grain noodles.
For the simplest dinner, just boil up some soba noodles and toss them with the sesame sauce. Or, build a veggie-packed Buddha bowl by topping it with sautéed greens, edamame, carrots, and more. Leftovers are great straight from the fridge for chilled sesame soba noodles.
No matter how you enjoy them, these sesame soba noodles make for a fast and tasty weeknight dinner. The sauce comes together in just minutes. For an even quicker bowl, use pre-cooked soba noodles and simply heat them in the microwave before tossing them with the sesame dressing.
Let me know if you give this recipe a try! I’d love to hear your soba noodle meal ideas and creative ways you customize this simple sesame sauce. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious Japanese classic!
Sesame Soba Noodle
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz. soba noodles
- 4 cups of water
- 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For Serving:
- Additional sesame seeds, green onions, and chili oil for topping
That's it! This easy 10-ingredient sesame soba noodle recipe comes together quickly with ingredients you likely have on hand. The sesame sauce has a delicious nutty flavor that perfectly complements the hearty soba noodles.
Instructions
Cook the Noodles (5 minutes)
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still firm.
- Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Make the Sesame Sauce (5 minutes)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
- Set the sauce aside.
Finish the Dish (5 minutes)
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked soba noodles with the prepared sesame sauce.
- Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly.
- Divide the noodles between 4 bowls. Top with sliced green onions.
- Add more sesame seeds, green onions, and a drizzle of chili oil if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Use 100% buckwheat soba noodles for a gluten-free and nutrient-dense option.
- Boil noodles just until tender; soba can get mushy if overcooked.
- Rinse cooked noodles with cold water to remove starch and prevent sticking.
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Sesame oil provides a nutty flavor, but use just a little as it's very strong.
- Add chili oil or paste for some heat; go easy at first, then adjust to preference.
- Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for color and crunch.
- Swap soy sauce for tamari to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for extra protein; sauté or grill first.
- For veggies, shred carrots, slice cucumbers, and add spinach or bok choy.
- Garnish with furikake, pickled ginger, or nori strips for extra Japanese flair.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for lunches; add fresh toppings before eating.
- For a vegan version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and omit any non-vegan toppings.
- Kids love helping to top their own bowls with fun add-ins and garnishes.
- This versatile recipe is endlessly adaptable; get creative with the ingredients!
- Enjoy them hot for a warm dinner or chilled for summertime noodles.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.