Ingredients
Soba Noodles and Vegetables
- 1 package (8 or 9 oz.) soba noodles (100% buckwheat recommended)
- 1 large English cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- Lime wedges, to taste
Ginger Scallion Sauce
- 3/4 cup scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 – 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar (unseasoned)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 – 2 tablespoons tamari, soy sauce or Namo Shoyu
- 1 – 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, combine scallions, garlic, grated ginger, sesame seeds, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, tamari, red pepper flakes, and optional sriracha. Mix well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook Soba Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook soba noodles according to package directions, usually about 5-6 minutes. Salting the water enhances the flavor of the 100% buckwheat noodles. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cool running water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness.
- Prepare Cucumber: While noodles cook, julienne the English cucumber into thin strips using a julienne tool. If cucumber is very long, cut in half first. Alternatively, spiralize or cut into 1/4 inch by 1 1/2 inch matchsticks if no julienne tool is available.
- Combine Ingredients: Return rinsed noodles to the cooking pot. Add the julienned cucumber, chopped cilantro, and about 3/4 of the sesame-ginger sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to combine flavors evenly.
- Serve: Divide the noodle mixture into serving bowls. Drizzle each serving with the remaining sauce and season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Add lime wedges and squeeze fresh lime juice liberally over the salad. This dish can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
Notes
- Adding cubed tofu is an excellent way to increase protein content in this dish.
- English cucumbers are preferred, but 2–3 Persian cucumbers work well and are easier to julienne.
- Use toasted sesame oil for a more distinct, delicious flavor; regular sesame oil can be substituted.
- Adjust sauce ingredients to match personal taste preferences.
- For an oil-free version, omit sesame oil and substitute with additional tamari, rice vinegar, or water.
- To keep the dish gluten-free, use tamari, Namo Shoyu, or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce.
- Soba noodles made from 100% buckwheat (such as brands Eden or King Soba) are recommended for authentic flavor and gluten-free options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian, Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
