Looking for a refreshing dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is easy to prepare? Dive into the world of Japanese cuisine with our Cold Soba recipe, perfect for warm days or light meals! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a stunning dish that serves four, featuring tender soba noodles paired with a savory dipping sauce. This recipe is not just a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds, making it an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire. Read on to discover how to create this deliciously cool dish that will have your friends and family coming back for more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz soba noodles
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Chopped scallions for garnish
- Shredded nori for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add soba noodles to the boiling water, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Cook for 4-5 minutes until noodles are tender but still have a slight bite.
- While noodles are cooking, prepare an ice water bath in a large bowl to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles quickly.
- Once noodles are cooked, immediately drain them in a colander and transfer to the ice water bath. Gently swish the noodles around to cool them down and stop the cooking process.
- Drain the noodles thoroughly and shake off excess water using a colander or strainer.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil to create the dipping sauce.
- Divide the cooled soba noodles evenly among four serving plates or bowls.
- Garnish each serving with chopped scallions and shredded nori.
- Serve the dipping sauce on the side, allowing each person to dip their noodles as they prefer.
- Enjoy the cold soba immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips
- Choose Quality Soba Noodles: For the best flavor and texture, opt for 100% buckwheat soba noodles, which are gluten-free and packed with nutrients.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep a close eye on the cooking time. Soba noodles should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente) for the perfect texture.
- Ice Water Bath is Key: Immediately transferring the cooked noodles to an ice water bath is crucial. This stops the cooking process and helps maintain the noodles' firmness.
- Customize Your Garnishes: Feel free to get creative with your garnishes! Add grated daikon, sliced cucumbers, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dipping sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully for an even tastier experience.
- Serve Chilled: For the best experience, serve the cold soba noodles immediately after garnishing. This ensures they remain fresh and vibrant!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
