| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 497 | 19g | 3g | 72g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 11g | 6g | 15g | 2.2g |
There are few recipes that captivate my taste buds as well as the wholesome, vibrant, and completely refreshing Japanese Sesame Seed Soba Noodles. Drawing from my Southern charm and my love for coastal flavors, I must confess, there’s a particular fondness I hold for this dish. It reminds me a lot of eating fresh seafood by the beach, its compelling mix of textures and flavors are not unlike a well-spent summer’s day in Charleston.
An Ode to Health and Taste
One of the reasons I originally fell in love with these noodles, beyond their delicious taste and rich textures, is because of their beneficial health aspects. The soba noodles, for instance, are rich in protein and fiber which are great for gut health. Along with that, the colorful fruits and veggies nestled within this dish are packed with a myriad of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Finally, let’s not forget the sesame seeds and oil — a great source of healthy fats that our bodies need to function well.
A Taste of Fusion
Being a southern belle, I am used to hearty, comforting food. Yet, the Japanese Sesame Seed Soba Noodles carries a similar hearty quality, while also introducing a well-appreciated, light freshness. It’s a beautiful fusion of lowcountry comfort and Asian elegance. In fact, this dish reminds me somewhat of the sweet and tangy flavors experienced in a traditional Thai Green Papaya Salad.
Speaking of pairings, I’ve found this recipe to be amazingly versatile and it goes well paired with a variety of dishes from around the world. Do you love grilled dishes? Try keeping this noodle dish by your side next time you fire up the grill; it brings a refreshing balance to the smoky grill flavors. Or perhaps, serve it with a light, buttery garlic shrimp on the side – the crisp tropical fruit bits mesh incredibly well with the seafood.
To sum it up, the Japanese Sesame Seed Soba Noodles are more than just a recipe to me. They are a world of flavors, textures, and nutrients that have a unique way of delighting the palate, nourishing the body, and connecting cultures. I dare say – this might just become one of your favorites too.
What You’ll Need
- 12 oz Soba Noodles
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Mirin
- 1/4 cup Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 2 Scallions (thinly sliced)
- 1 Medium cucumber (julienned)
- 2 Carrots (julienned)
- 1 cup Jicama (shredded)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup Mixed Fresh Fruit (papaya, pineapple, mango – diced)
- Sesame Seeds (for garnishing)
Method
Step One
Start by cooking soba noodles according to the package directions. While your noodles are cooking, prepare the sesame sauce by whisking together sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and mirin in a bowl. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step Two
Drain noodles, after it’s cooked properly. Then, rinse under cold water to cool down, remove the starch and stop the cooking process. Transfer noodles to a large bowl.
Step Three
Pour the previously prepared sesame sauce over the cooled soba noodles. Toss until the noodles are well coated with sauce. Add toasted sesame seeds to the noodle mixture and toss once more to incorporate.
Step Four
Add the julienned cucumber, carrots, and the shredded jicama to the bowl with the noodles. Also add the thinly sliced red bell pepper and scallions. Toss once again to mix all the ingredients well.
Step Five
Top the noodle salad with the diced fresh fruit, and sprinkle with the roughly chopped fresh cilantro. Toss gently to combine. Garnish withadditional sesame seeds, if desired.
Step Six
Serve your Japanese Sesame Soba Noodle Salad immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
