A bowl of sesame soba noodles garnished with sesame seeds and green onions

Sesame Soba Noodles

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Sesame Soba Noodles are not just delicious; they are also easy to make. This dish is perfect for a quick meal or a healthy lunch. Packed with fresh vegetables and nutritious noodles, it makes a satisfying and colorful dish. Plus, the sesame dressing adds a rich flavor that ties everything together. It’s a dish that can please everyone, from kids to adults!

How to Make Sesame Soba Noodles

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons tamari (plus more for serving)
  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil (plus more for serving)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 garlic clove (grated)
  • ½ teaspoon maple syrup or honey
  • 6 ounces soba noodles*
  • Lemon wedge (for squeezing)
  • 2 avocados (sliced)
  • 2 cups blanched snap peas
  • ¼ cup edamame
  • 1 watermelon radish (or 2 red radishes, very thinly sliced)
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
  • Sesame seeds

Directions:

  1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, tamari, sesame oil, grated ginger, garlic, and maple syrup. Set this dressing aside.
  2. Bring an unsalted pot of water to a boil. Cook the soba noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them well in cold water. This step helps remove starches that cause clumping.
  3. Toss the noodles with the prepared dressing. Divide the dressed noodles into 2 to 4 bowls.
  4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the sliced avocados and add them to the bowls along with the snap peas, edamame, radish, mint, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
  5. Drizzle with more tamari or sesame oil, if desired, and serve.

How to Serve Sesame Soba Noodles

Serve Sesame Soba Noodles chilled or at room temperature. They make a great main dish or a side dish. You can also enjoy them for lunch the next day. Feel free to add more vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier meal.

How to Store Sesame Soba Noodles

If you have leftover Sesame Soba Noodles, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To enjoy them again, simply toss them with a little extra dressing or sesame oil before serving.

Tips to Make Sesame Soba Noodles

  • Be sure to rinse the soba noodles well after cooking to keep them from sticking together.
  • You can use different vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge.
  • Adjust the amount of tamari and sesame oil in the dressing to suit your taste.

Variation

For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing. You can also swap in other greens like spinach or kale instead of snap peas for new flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of soba noodles?
Yes, you can use regular pasta, but it will change the flavor and texture of the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soba noodles and tamari, then yes, this dish can be gluten-free.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and cut the vegetables in advance. Just store them separately and combine everything before serving.