Name: Japanese Soba Noodles with Sesame Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 200g soba noodles; 100g sugar snap peas, halved lengthways; 1 red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced; ½ cucumber, sliced or peeled into ribbons; 2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted; 2 tbsp tahini paste; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sugar

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Japanese noodle dish features refreshing vegetables and a rich sesame dressing that’s both simple and flavorful. It’s a perfect light meal or side that comes together quickly and offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

The dish shows a white bowl with three clear layers of food arranged neatly from bottom to top. At the bottom, there is a base of thin, light beige noodles with a soft texture. Above the noodles, there is a small pile of bright green snap peas placed in the center, creating a fresh and crisp look. To the left of the snap peas, thinly sliced pale green cucumber ribbons are laid in a curled shape. To the right of the snap peas, there are small strips of red bell pepper, adding a strong contrast. On top of the noodles, there are small bits of light yellow crushed peanuts sprinkled for texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and on the left side, a pair of red chopsticks leans against the bowl. In the background, slightly out of focus, there is another white bowl with the same contents and a small white bowl with light brown sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

200g soba noodles
100g sugar snap peas, halved lengthways
1 red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
½ cucumber, sliced or peeled into ribbons
2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
2 tbsp tahini paste
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dressing by mixing the tahini paste with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until fully combined. Set the dressing aside.
Step 2: Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
Step 3: Divide the noodles between two bowls. Arrange the sugar snap peas, red pepper slices, and cucumber ribbons on top of the noodles.
Step 4: Just before serving, drizzle the sesame dressing over the noodles and vegetables, then sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.

Tips & Variations

For extra protein, add grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame to the dish.
Use lime juice instead of rice vinegar for a tangier dressing.
Toast the sesame seeds lightly until golden and fragrant to enhance their flavor.
Substitute soba noodles with udon or rice noodles if preferred.

Storage

Store any leftover noodles and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the noodles briefly in hot water or enjoy them cold as a refreshing salad. Do not store the tossed salad with dressing, as the vegetables may become soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with several layers of food placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of light brown noodles that have a smooth, slightly twisted texture. On top of the noodles, there are thin strips of bright red peppers arranged in a small pile to one side. Next to the peppers, there are fresh green snap peas with a shiny surface, placed lengthwise. Adjacent to the peas are thinly sliced cucumber curls, pale green with a slightly translucent look. The dish is lightly sprinkled with a beige powder seasoning that adds texture. A pair of dark red chopsticks rests on the left side of the bowl, and a small white bowl with a light brown sauce is seen in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Rinsing the noodles thoroughly under cold water after cooking helps remove excess starch and cools them, preventing sticking. Tossing the noodles lightly with a small amount of oil can also help.