Real soba noodles are made with buckwheat flour. They’re much less caloric than regular pasta. They contain important vitamins, minerals and protein. They’re satisfying too. Give them a go the next time you’re in the mood for pasta.
Today’s recipe is a Japanese-inspired noodle bowl. Tangly soba noodles, crunchy cucumbers, warm sesame oil, fresh lime juice and perky ginger are all here. There’s a bit of heat from a chili pepper if you’re in the mood. The ingredients are tossed together in one bowl. Easy and quick! Win-win!
Check out more of my soba noodle recipes here.
PrintLime and Sesame Soba Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Japanese-inspired noodle bowl features tangly soba noodles, crunchy cucumbers, and a ginger-lime sesame sauce with a hint of chili heat, perfect for a simple summer meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of soba noodles
- 1 bunch of scallions, diced (about 4-5)
- 5-6 small cucumbers, sliced into thin half moon shapes. I use Persian cucumbers.
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 red chili pepper, diced. You can also use a dash of sriracha sauce. (optional)
- A handful of fresh Thai basil, regular basil or mint, chopped or torn (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons of regular or lower sodium soy sauce or to your taste
- 2 teaspoons of sesame oil or to your taste
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
To Serve
- lime wedges from one or two juicy limes
Instructions
- Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them well under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked soba noodles, diced scallions, sliced cucumbers, grated ginger, and chopped red chili.
- Drizzle the sesame oil and lime juice over the noodle mixture. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt to taste and toss again to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Serve immediately, with an additional squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired.
Notes
I kept this recipe on the very light side, using a minimal amount of sesame oil. Feel free to add more sesame oil, but be careful because it’s intense. You can also stir in another neutral tasting oil if desired. This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 0
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute regular pasta for soba noodles in this recipe?
While you can substitute regular pasta, the unique flavor and texture of buckwheat soba noodles are key to this dish, so it’s best to use soba for an authentic taste.
What kind of chili pepper should I use for this recipe?
You can use any chili pepper you prefer, such as red chili flakes for mild heat or a fresh jalapeño for a spicier kick; just adjust the amount to your heat preference.
How do I prepare the cucumbers for the noodle bowl?
Simply wash the cucumbers, then slice them thinly or julienne them to add a crunchy texture to the dish.
