Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Japan, with a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate - introducing the Soba Noodle Salad with Ginger Peanut Dressing! This isn't just another salad; it's a culinary adventure that combines the nutty richness of soba noodles with a zesty, creamy dressing that will make your taste buds sing. Perfect for those seeking a quick, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Soba noodles
- Carrots, julienned
- Cucumber, sliced
- Red bell pepper, sliced
- Green onions, chopped
- Peanut butter
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Chopped peanuts
- Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. You will need soba noodles, julienned carrots, sliced cucumber, sliced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, peanut butter, grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chopped peanuts, and cilantro for garnish.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the soba noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare your vegetables. Julienne the carrots, slice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and chop the green onions. Set the prepared vegetables aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Once the soba noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Allow the noodles to drain thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the ginger peanut dressing. Combine 3 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the drained soba noodles to the bowl with the prepared vegetables. Pour the ginger peanut dressing over the top and toss gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the noodles and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
- Once everything is mixed together, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar for extra flavor.
- To serve, divide the soba noodle salad among four bowls. Top each serving with chopped peanuts and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for garnish.
- Enjoy your refreshing Soba Noodle Salad with Ginger Peanut Dressing as a light meal or a side dish!
Tips
- Noodle Know-How: Always rinse soba noodles in cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Dressing Consistency: If your peanut dressing is too thick, don't panic! Simply add a little warm water to thin it out and create a silky smooth texture.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator to make assembly lightning-fast.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or tofu to make this a more substantial meal.
- Freshness is Key: Use the freshest ingredients possible, especially the ginger and herbs, to maximize flavor.
- Serving Tip: For the best texture, serve the salad slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
