Cold Noodles Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of flavors with the savory soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness from honey or maple syrup, making it irresistibly delicious. Plus, the refreshing crunch from the cucumber and carrot, along with the satisfying warmth of ginger and garlic, makes it my go-to quick and healthy meal that always leaves me feeling amazing!

I love preparing this cold noodle dish for a delightful, light meal. My recipe has you use 8 oz of soba noodles, which you throw together in a very good mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.

The ingredients make for a salty yet tart dressing that’s extremely pleasant. Additionally, the dish benefits from the presence of some crunch—and that’s where the cucumbers and carrots come in.

Ingredients

Soba Noodles:
Crafted using buckwheat, they are abundant in two essential nutrients: fiber and protein.

And their flavor is delightful.

Soy Sauce:
Provides a salty, umami richness from fermented soybeans, all for very few calories.

Sesame Oil:
Delivers an intensely earthy fragrance and healthy fats.

Rice Vinegar:
Offers a subtle tartness with controlled acidity and a full, lingering finish that magnifies taste.

Ginger:
Serves up a warm, spicy kick and is well-known for assisting with digestion.

Garlic:
It is fragrant and sharp, and it enhances flavor while serving as an antioxidant.

Sesame Seeds:
Imparts a satisfying crunch, along with healthy fats and a wealth of minerals.

Cucumber:
Inventively clean, low-cal, and with a gratifying flavor that guarantees hydration.

Carrot:
Offers sweetness and hue, lavish in beta-carotene and fiber.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz soba noodles or rice noodles
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 small cucumber, julienned
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• Optional: Chili flakes or chili oil to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the noodles by following the instructions that come with the package. After they are done, drain the noodles, and then rinse them with cold water. This will prevent the cooking process from continuing. Put the noodles aside.

2. In a big mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, mirin, grated ginger, minced garlic, and honey (or maple syrup). Whisk until well blended to make the dressing.

3. Place the cooked and cooled noodles into the bowl containing the dressing. Toss until the noodles are completely covered in the dressing.

4. In a skillet that is not wet, on medium heat, toast the sesame seeds. They should reach a state where they are both golden and fragrant. After that, take them off the heat and allow them to cool down.

5. Insert the cucumber and carrot, cut into matchsticks, into the bowl of noodles. Toss everything together and serve.

6. Cut the green onions and put them in the noodle mixture, keeping a few in reserve to garnish the dish.

7. If you want, you can add chili flakes or shower the noodles with chili oil for some heat, adjusting that element to your personal taste.

8. Toasted sesame seeds should be sprinkled over the noodles and then very gently tossed once more to incorporate.

9. Place the noodles in individual serving bowls, and top each with some of the reserved green onions.

10. If you enjoy extra-cold noodles, you can always chill them in the fridge for an hour before serving. If you don’t prefer that, you can serve them right away after tossing them with the sauce. Either way, the cold noodles are a super flavorful dish that you will undoubtedly enjoy. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour before serving if you prefer the noodles extra cold.

Equipment Needed

1. Pot
2. Colander
3. Mixing bowl
4. Whisk
5. Skillet
6. Cutting board
7. Knife
8. Measuring spoons
9. Tongs or salad tossers
10. Serving bowls

FAQ

• Can I use other types of noodles?Indeed, soba or rice noodles are an option, but you can also use your favorite noodle type, like udon, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb substitute.
• What can I use instead of mirin?You can substitute mirin with a mixture of rice vinegar and a little sugar to balance the flavor if you don’t have it.
• Is there a substitute for sesame oil?Distinct flavor arises from toasted sesame oil. If it’s not in your pantry, substitute with olive oil or another somewhat nutty oil. Just know that your dish will taste different from what is intended.
• Can I make this dish in advance?Indeed, making cold noodles ahead is a great idea. They can be prepared and stored well in advance. To serve, simply combine the noodles and the dressing right before you eat them. The result? Noodles that taste just as fresh as if you had prepared them the same day.
• How do I toast sesame seeds?For toasting sesame seeds, put them in a dry skillet and set it over medium-low heat. Stir them around in barely any space for 3-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and exhaling a toasty fragrance.
• Can I add protein to this dish?Sure! This would be a fantastic way to use up grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this meal more substantial.

Substitutions and Variations

Soy Sauce:
A gluten-free alternative is tamari or coconut aminos.
Sesame Oil:
Although olive oil or sunflower oil can be utilized, the taste will be somewhat different.
Rice Vinegar:
You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, but in slightly lesser amount as they are stronger.
Mirin:
You can mimic mirin’s sweet flavor in a mix of dry sherry or sake with a bit of sugar.
Honey or Maple Syrup:
You can use agave nectar or brown sugar to achieve similar levels of sweetness.

Pro Tips

1. Perfect Noodle Texture To achieve the perfect texture, make sure to cook the noodles al dente, following the package instructions closely. After rinsing with cold water, toss them with a tiny bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

2. Flavor Depth For deeper umami flavor in the dressing, consider adding a small splash of fish sauce or a tiny amount of dashi stock if available.

3. Ginger and Garlic Prep To enhance the flavor of the ginger and garlic, briefly sautée them in a little bit of sesame oil before adding them to the dressing. This will mellow their flavors and enhance the overall dish.

4. Vegetable Crunch Ensure the cucumber and carrot are julienned just before serving to maintain their crunch and freshness, which adds a nice texture contrast to the dish.

5. Garnish Enhancements Consider adding fresh herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil for a fragrant garnish, or roasted peanuts for extra crunch and flavor depth.