Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Japan with every single bite - a cool, tantalizing noodle salad that combines the delicate sweetness of shrimp, the crisp freshness of cucumber, and the nutty elegance of soba noodles. This isn't just another recipe; it's a culinary journey that promises to revolutionize your summer meal repertoire, delivering an explosion of flavors and textures in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g soba noodles
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- Black sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Measure out 200g of soba noodles and 200g of shrimp, ensuring the shrimp are peeled and deveined. Rinse the cucumber and slice it into thin julienne strips. Chop the green onions into thin slices and set them aside.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the soba noodles and a pinch of salt. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes, until they are tender but still slightly firm (al dente).
- While the noodles are cooking, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- Once the soba noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Allow the noodles to drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled soba noodles, cooked shrimp, julienned cucumber, and sliced green onions. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Season the salad with salt to taste, mixing well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed. You can adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. For an added touch, sprinkle black sesame seeds on top for garnish.
- Serve the Japanese Noodle Shrimp and Cucumber Salad immediately, or refrigerate it for a short time if you prefer it chilled. Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful dish!
Tips
- Choose high-quality soba noodles for authentic flavor - look for 100% buckwheat varieties.
- Don't overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque to maintain tenderness.
- Rinse soba noodles with cold water to stop cooking and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a drizzle of soy sauce.
- Toast the sesame seeds lightly before garnishing to enhance their nutty aroma.
- Prepare ingredients in advance for a quick, stress-free meal assembly.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soba noodles or substitute with rice noodles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 166kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 50mg
