Sesame Soba Noodles

Name: Sesame Soba Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese Inspired
Ingredients: 6oz soba noodles; 1 cup shelled edamame (I used frozen edamame); 1 large carrot, cut in matchsticks; 4-5 medium radishes, sliced thinly; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sriracha; 1 teaspoon maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Jump To Recipe by Liz Thomson February 7, 2024 This post may contain affiliate links.

These delicious sesame soba noodles are ready in just 20 minutes for an easy dinner that is high in protein and completely plant-based!

If you’re looking for a hearty meal that is easy to make, this is the answer! This is a fantastic recipe for meal prep because it has a short cooking time and the leftovers can be served warm or cold. It’s the kind of meal you can make on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week. It’s made with a simple sauce using mostly pantry staples. I love that soba noodles are a good source of protein and fiber so this recipe will actually keep you full. Try this sesame soba noodle salad for a tasty lunch in the warmer months or enjoy it hot in the cooler months. If you enjoy this recipe, try these tempeh peanut noodles, too!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Soba Noodles– Soba noodles serve as the main carbohydrate, offering a nutty flavor and can be replaced with alternatives such as rice, udon, or whole wheat noodles.
Edamame– Shelled edamame is an easy way to add plant-based protein. If you can’t find shelled edamame you can use the kind in the pods, just remove them before adding them to the dish.
Carrots– Fresh carrots add sweetness and crunch. Jicama or bell pepper strips are suitable alternatives.
Radishes– Thinly sliced radishes provide a peppery flavor and a crisp texture. Substitute with cucumber slices, if you like.
Cilantro– Fresh cilantro leaves bring freshness and citrus notes. Fresh parsley or mint can be used as replacements.
Sesame seeds– Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch; chopped roasted peanuts or cashews can serve as substitutes.
Sesame Oil– Toasted sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor.
Soy Sauce– Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami to the dish. You can substitute with tamari or liquid aminos for a gluten-free option.
Sriracha– Sriracha adds heat and garlic undertones. Substitute with Thai red curry paste or chili paste for a different spicy twist.
Maple syrup– Maple syrup balances the spicy flavor with a little sweetness — honey or agave can be used as substitutes.
Garlic– Garlic powder adds a subtle garlic flavor — minced fresh garlic can be an alternative.

What are soba noodles?

Soba noodles are a type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour or a combination of buckwheat and wheat flour. They have a distinctive nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture. Soba noodles are a popular and healthy choice in Japanese cuisine and are known for their unique flavor and versatility in various dishes. Buckwheat noodles can be enjoyed cold or hot, so this dish makes a great meal prep option! You can find them at an Asian grocery store, but I’ve also be able to find them at supermarkets like Kroger, Publix, Wegmans, and Whole Foods. They’re also delicious in soup like my soba noodle soup!

Variations

Feel free to get creative with the vegetables. You can use raw veggies like bell peppers in place of the carrots and cabbage in place of the radishes. It’s a great way to use whatever you have in the fridge! Try adding steamed broccoli, chopped snap peas, or even sliced cucumbers.
If you like things spicy, try adding a little extra sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili paste to the sauce.
If you’d like to use a creamy sauce, try topping this with my peanut sauce! It’s made with peanut butter, soy sauce, Thai red curry paste, and honey or agave.
Add flavor to your noodle bowl with a sprinkle of fresh green onions or serve it with a few lime wedges.

How to Prepare Edamame

I typically buy frozen edamame because it’s the easiest to find. For this recipe, it’s best to buy shelled edamame, where the pods have already been removed. To cook the frozen edamame, add it to a pot of boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes. Drain the edamame in a colander and rinse under cold water. Edamame can also be cooked in the microwave, according to the package directions. If you can’t find shelled edamame, you can use the kind in the pods, just cook it, let it cool, then remove the edamame from the pods and then add them to this dish.