Miso Sesame Soba Noodles (Vegetarian)

Get your greens in with this refreshing 10-minute refreshing miso sesame soba noodle dish topped with sliced cucumbers, edamame, and carrots.

A bowl of chilled noodles always makes for a great summer lunch, such as a bowl of spicy Korean naengmyeon, Peanut Sesame Cold Noodles or this Cold Soba Noodles with Dipping Sauce. Whatever noodle it is, it's all in the sauce (and the toppings!).

This cold noodle dish uses Japanese soba noodles and is dressed with an acidic miso sesame sauce (that's also perfect for salads!). Top off these noodles with your favorite vegetables - this one includes cucumbers, carrots, edamame, and some chopped scallion. If you're looking for a heartier meal, some sliced avocados can do just the trick.

Ingredients

• 200 grams dry soba noodles

Miso Sesame Dressing

• ⅓ cup rice vinegar
• 2½ tbsp white miso paste
• 1 tbsp tahini paste
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp light soy sauce (low sodium)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp honey

Toppings

• 1 Persian cucumber
• 1 cup shelled edamame
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 stalks scallions
• 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together rice vinegar, miso paste, tahini, sesame oil, light soy sauce, honey and garlic. Whip together until smooth.
2. Prep vegetables by shredding carrots (if you did not buy pre-shredded carrots) and slice cucumbers into thin rounds.
3. Boil pot of water and cook soba noodles according to package. Once done, drain pot and rinse noodles under cold water.
4. Place soba noodles in a bowl, top with carrots, cucumbers, edamame and chopped scallions. Pour over 1-2 tablespoon of the sauce per serving of noodles, adjust to your liking. Top with toasted white sesame seeds.

How are soba noodles different from other noodles? Do I have to use soba noodles?

Soba noodles are made primarily from buckwheat flour, whereas other noodles can be made from wheat flour, rice flour, or other grains. The use of buckwheat flour gives soba noodles a unique nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture. Due to their ingredients, soba noodles tend to have higher fiber and protein content and are considered to be more nutritious than other noodle types.

You do not have to use soba noodles if you don't have it on hand. Feel free to substitute with thin wheat noodles or rice noodles (which can also be found gluten-free).

Can I add more protein to this dish?

While soba and edamame are great sources for protein for those following vegetarian or vegan diets, it's possible to add more protein into this dish! You can air-fry tofu or try my Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets (Vegan) to top off the noodles.

For those not following vegetarian diets, you can slice up baked chicken thigh or chest or even stir-fry sliced beef and add it to this light summer recipe.

What miso should I use for this recipe?

White miso would be best for this recipe. White miso is made from soybeans and rice koji, and has a light, mild flavor with a slightly sweet taste that's best for use in sauces and marinades.

📖 Recipe