Soba Noodle Bowl with Sesame

Enjoy a refreshing and nutritious Soba Noodle Bowl, a vibrant dish featuring chewy buckwheat noodles and crisp vegetables. This meal is tossed in a savory sesame dressing, making it the perfect choice for a light lunch or a quick dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Save

This easy-to-make Japanese main dish provides a perfect balance of textures and savory notes. It is a versatile recipe that yields four servings, making it ideal for meal prep or a healthy family meal.

Ingredients

• Noodles & Vegetables
• 250 g dried soba noodles
• 1 cup shelled edamame (fresh or frozen)
• 1 medium cucumber, julienned
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or mint leaves (optional)
• Sesame Dressing
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp tahini or smooth peanut butter
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp water (to thin, as needed)

Instructions

Step 1

Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 2

While the noodles cook, blanch the edamame in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together all the sesame dressing ingredients until smooth. Add more water if needed to reach a pourable consistency.

Step 4

Prepare the vegetables: julienne the cucumber and carrots, and slice the scallions.

Step 5

In a large bowl, toss the cooled soba noodles with half of the sesame dressing.

Step 6

Divide the noodles among four bowls. Top each with edamame, cucumber, carrots, and scallions. Drizzle with remaining dressing.

Step 7

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra protein, top your bowl with grilled tofu or a soft-boiled egg. You can also vary the vegetables by substituting snap peas, bell peppers, or radishes for different textures and colors.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To ensure this dish is entirely gluten-free, use 100% buckwheat soba noodles and swap the soy sauce for tamari. Always check your product labels if you have specific allergen concerns regarding soy or sesame.

Serviervorschläge

This vibrant noodle bowl pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled green tea or a light, crisp Riesling to complement the savory ginger and sesame flavors.

Save

Whether enjoyed immediately or prepared ahead for a healthy lunch, this soba noodle bowl is a delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables and traditional Japanese flavors in one simple dish.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What makes soba noodles different from regular pasta?

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour, giving them a nutty flavor and chewy texture. They're traditional Japanese noodles that cook quickly and have a distinctive earthy taste unlike wheat-based pasta.

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, prepare components up to a day in advance. Store noodles and vegetables separately, then toss with dressing just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Traditional soba contains wheat, but 100% buckwheat varieties are gluten-free. Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this completely gluten-free while maintaining the savory flavor profile.

→ What vegetables work best in this bowl?

Julienned cucumber and carrots provide ideal crunch. Snap peas, bell peppers, radishes, or shredded cabbage also work beautifully. Choose vegetables that stay crisp when raw.

→ How can I add more protein?

Top with grilled tofu, pan-seared tempeh, shredded chicken, or soft-boiled eggs. The edamame already provides plant-based protein, but these additions make it more substantial.

→ Can I serve this warm instead of chilled?

Absolutely. Skip the cold rinse and toss warm noodles with vegetables and dressing immediately. The flavors meld beautifully when served slightly warm, perfect for cooler weather.