This sesame soba noodles makes a terrific weeknight dinner. Topped with crumbled seaweed and fried dumplings, you’ll have a hassle-free simple Japanese soba noodle bowl ready in 15 minutes.
Growing up in Korea, soba noodles were a staple of my summer meals. Back then, I enjoyed them cold, which was perfect for hot days. But recently, I’ve discovered a new way to enjoy this favorite: warm sesame soba noodles.
I’ve taken to topping my bowls of these thin, nutty-flavored sesame soba noodles with crumbled seaweed and a handful of pan-fried dumplings. It’s a simple touch that transforms the dish into a complete meal.
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Every bite is a mix of pleasant textures and flavors, creating what feels like either a robust noodle bowl or a refreshing noodle salad, depending on your mood. What I love most about this dish is its simplicity and versatility.
Sesame soba noodles are vegetarian friendly and can be whipped up in just 15 minutes—a quick, easy, and economical solution for any meal. Whether served warm or cold, sesame soba noodles are a comforting answer to a hungry stomach, any time of the day.
What are soba noodles?
Soba (そば) is a type of thin, light brown noodle popular in Japanese cuisinesimilar to buckwheat pasta. These noodles are primarily made from buckwheat flour and are celebrated for their slightly nutty flavor.
Japanese soba is versatile, used in both hot and cold dishes such as soups, salads, and the traditional cold dish known as Zaru Soba. Soba is known for being healthy and is often chosen by people who like wholesome, tasty food.
While integral to Japanese food traditions, soba noodles are also widely used in Korean recipesadding a wholesome and flavorful option to various meals. For Korean-style buckwheat noodle recipe, check out my spicy Korean noodles.
Ingredients
For this recipe, dried soba noodles and bunches of green onions are essential. The sauce uses staple Asian pantry ingredients:
- I am willow
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Ginger paste
- Toasted sesame seeds
These simple components blend together to create a flavorful and aromatic sauce perfect for soba noodles.
How to make sesame soba noodles
Step 1. Mix all the sauce ingredients together until well combined. Then, chop two whole bunches of green onions. Yes, you’ll use all of them for this recipe.
Step 2. Cook the noodles as directed on the package, usually for 3-4 minutes. When the water boils, add a splash of cold water to settle it down, repeating as it boils again to enhance the noodles’ chewiness. After cooking, rinse the noodles under cold water to cool, then drain and set aside.
Step 3. Sauté half the green onions in oil in a wok or skillet for 30 seconds. Add the sauce, bring to a boil, and let it thicken briefly. Then, mix in the noodles and the rest of the green onions, tossing well. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds on top.
Helpful Tips for Chewier Soba Noodles
- No Oil or Salt: Unlike pasta, don’t add oil or salt to the boiling water. Soba noodles have a delicate flavor that you don’t want to mask.
- Cold Water Shock: Once the noodles are cooked, pour a cup of cold water into the pot if they start boiling over. This helps to maintain a good texture.
- Cooking Time: Follow the package instructions carefully, as soba noodles typically cook in about 4-8 minutes depending on their thickness. They should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Stir Gently: Give the noodles a gentle stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch, which helps prevent them from becoming gummy.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this simple soba dish by topping with crumbled roasted sesame seeds. If you want to add some protein to your meal, serve with fried tofu, dumplingsor grilled chicken (or shrimp) depending on your diet preference.
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15-Minute Sesame Soba Noodle Bowl
This sesame soba noodles makes a terrific weeknight dinner. Topped with crumbled seaweed and fried dumplings, you’ll have a hassle-free simple Japanese soba noodle bowl ready in 15 minutes.
Calories: 415kcal, Carbohydrates: 59g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Sodium: 1648mg, Potassium: 280mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 123IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 82mg, Iron: 3mg
