Japanese Lunch Oct. 17, 2021

 Lauren brought a Soba Noodle salad. I increased all the amounts by about 25% to make sure we had enough.

Also, I noted what I changed in the recipe. I cooked the noodles 3 minutes, tested and by 4 minutes had drained and rinsed the noodles. Testing is important!

Soba Noodle Salad

See recipe at https://cookingformysoul.com/soba-noodle-salad/ 

This easy and refreshing soba noodle salad is full of flavor. It is made with soba, or buckwheat, noodles and is tossed with lots of fresh veggies and a homemade dressing.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

• ▢ 9 oz soba noodles (3 standard bundles) - I used 12 oz.
  
• ▢ 1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro - kept this about the same
  
• ▢ 1 cup snow peas
  
• ▢ 10 oz matchstick carrots (10 oz bag)
  
• ▢ 3 scallions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
• ▢ 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (garnish)
• ▢ Sliced seasoned nori seaweed (garnish) - forgot to add the nori
  

Dressing:

• ▢ 1/4 cup rice vinegar - 1/3 cup instead
  
• ▢ 3 1/2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil used 4 Tbsp of olive oil
  
• ▢ 3 teaspoons sesame oil (or to taste) added 4 tsp
  
• ▢ 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste) did not change
  
• ▢ 1 to 2 tablespoons honey (or to taste) used 2
  
• ▢ 1 teaspoon grated ginger, or to taste -  used 2 tsp
  

Instructions

• Make the dressing: In a mason jar, combine all the Dressing ingredients. Cover with lid and shake vigorously until evenly combined. Set aside.
• Cook soba noodles according to package directions, until al dente, about 4-5 minutes. To be sure, test it after 3-4 minutes to check for doneness (al dente). When ready, immediately drain and rinse them with very cold water to stop the cooking process and to prevent mushy noodles.
• In a large bowl, toss the noodles with the cilantro, cabbage, carrots, scallions, and the prepared dressing. Garnish with sesame seeds, more sliced scallions, and sliced seasoned seaweed. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

• Cooking the noodles: Soba noodles cook really fast, in about 4-5 minutes. I’d say closer to 3.5 to 4 if you want it al dente. After they are cooked, be sure to rinse them in cold water immediately.
  
  
• Make ahead: chop or slice all the veggies and prep the dressing up to 1 day in advance. Store in the fridge. Do not cook the noodles ahead of time since they will get soft and mushy if stored for too long. - I made the noodles ahead, kept them al dente, and they were fine the next day.
  
  
• For the dressing, I’d highly recommend using freshly grated ginger. - I got young ginger form the store, it is very nice.