Soba Noodle Salad
Soba Noodle Salad Recipe from Japan
Introduction
Soba Noodle Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This salad is made with soba noodles, which are thin noodles made from buckwheat flour. The noodles are combined with shredded carrots, green onions, and parsley, and then tossed in a tangy dressing made with rice wine vinegar, lime juice, and hot sauce.
History
Soba noodles have been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. The noodles are traditionally served cold in salads or hot in soups. This Soba Noodle Salad recipe puts a modern twist on the classic dish by adding fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 packages of soba noodles
- 1 package of commercial packaged shredded carrots
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp of chopped coriander (Chinese parsley)
- 4 tbsp of rice wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp of lime juice
- 3 or 4 drops of hot sauce
How to prepare
- Boil the noodles as per the instructions on the package and allow them to cool.
- Combine the shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and coriander with the cooled noodles.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, lime juice, and hot sauce.
- Combine the dressing with the cooled noodles and serve.
Variations
- Add grilled shrimp or tofu for extra protein.
- Mix in some edamame or snap peas for added crunch.
- Use a different type of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic, for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions to ensure they are cooked perfectly.
- To prevent the noodles from sticking together, rinse them under cold water after cooking and toss them with a little oil.
- Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite vegetables or protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu.
Serving Suggestions
This Soba Noodle Salad can be served as a main dish for a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish alongside grilled fish or chicken. It is also delicious served cold as a picnic or potluck dish.
Cooking Techniques
Boil the noodles until they are al dente, then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Toss the noodles with the vegetables and dressing just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use regular spaghetti or rice noodles if you can't find soba noodles.
- Substitute cilantro for parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Use lemon juice instead of lime juice if that's what you have on hand.
Make Ahead Tips
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to toss it with the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor. Serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This Soba Noodle Salad pairs well with grilled fish, chicken, or tofu. It also goes well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light soup.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a minute or two until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this Soba Noodle Salad contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a light and healthy option for a meal or side dish.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this Soba Noodle Salad contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling your daily activities.
Fats
This salad is low in fat, with only about 2 grams of fat per serving. The fat in this dish comes primarily from the oil in the dressing, which adds flavor without adding a lot of calories.
Proteins
Each serving of this Soba Noodle Salad contains about 6 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, and can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal.
Vitamins and minerals
This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and herbs. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, while green onions provide vitamin K. Parsley is rich in vitamin C and iron.
Alergens
This recipe contains wheat in the form of soba noodles, so it is not suitable for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities. Be sure to check the ingredients of the noodles to ensure they are gluten-free if needed.
Summary
Overall, this Soba Noodle Salad is a nutritious and balanced dish that is low in fat and calories, but high in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a light and refreshing meal.
Summary
Soba Noodle Salad is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it as a main dish or side dish, and feel good knowing you are nourishing your body with nutritious ingredients.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Soba Noodle Salad. It was a warm summer day and I had just come back from the farmers market with a basket full of fresh vegetables. As I unpacked my goodies, I stumbled upon a small piece of paper tucked away in the bottom of the basket. It was a hand-written recipe for Soba Noodle Salad, written in elegant cursive script.
I had heard of soba noodles before, but I had never tried making a salad with them. The combination of the chewy noodles, crunchy vegetables, and tangy dressing sounded like the perfect dish for a hot summer day. I knew I had to give it a try.
The recipe was simple and straightforward, calling for just a handful of ingredients that I already had on hand. I boiled the soba noodles until they were al dente, then rinsed them under cold water to stop the cooking process. I chopped up some cucumbers, bell peppers, and scallions, and tossed them with the noodles in a large bowl.
Next, I made the dressing by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. I poured the dressing over the salad and tossed everything together until it was well coated. The aroma of the sesame oil and vinegar mingled with the freshness of the vegetables, creating a mouth-watering scent that filled the kitchen.
As I took my first bite of the Soba Noodle Salad, I knew I had stumbled upon a new favorite recipe. The flavors were bright and refreshing, with just the right amount of tanginess from the dressing. The soba noodles added a satisfying chewiness that was a perfect contrast to the crunch of the vegetables.
I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends. I brought a batch of the Soba Noodle Salad to a potluck dinner that evening, and it was a hit. Everyone raved about how delicious and unique the dish was, and I was thrilled to have found a new recipe to add to my repertoire.
Over the years, I made the Soba Noodle Salad countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. Sometimes I would add shredded carrots or edamame for extra color and protein, or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a little crunch. No matter how I made it, the salad was always a crowd-pleaser.
I began to experiment with different variations of the Soba Noodle Salad, adding ingredients like grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or marinated tofu to make it a more substantial meal. Each new iteration of the recipe brought a new burst of flavor and excitement to my kitchen.
As I continued to make the Soba Noodle Salad, I realized that cooking was not just about following a set of instructions, but about creativity and exploration. I learned to trust my instincts and taste buds, and to have fun in the kitchen.
The Soba Noodle Salad became a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that I could whip up at a moment's notice and always count on to impress. It reminded me of the simple joys of cooking and sharing food with loved ones, and the way that recipes can connect us to our past and present.
Today, as I pass on the recipe for Soba Noodle Salad to the next generation, I hope that they will find as much joy and satisfaction in making it as I have. May they create new memories and traditions around this simple yet delicious dish, and may it always bring a sense of anticipation and excitement to their kitchens.
Categories
| Carrot Recipes | Cilantro Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Japanese Recipes | Lime Juice Recipes | Pasta Salad Recipes | Rice Vinegar Recipes | Soba Recipes | World Recipes |