Soba Noodles: 2 Recipes

Soba noodles are thin beige noodles that always remind me of high quality paper you buy at specialty art stores. They’re made from buckwheat flour and are an upcoming favorite in my kitchen, thanks to my friends Amir and Yael.

You don’t need me to tell you how healthy buckwheat is, or how high the protein is in a portion of soba. But I can supply you with these 2 super fast recipes that will motivate you to eat more of it. Please note when buying, there are different kinds of soba noodles- with a different percentage of buckwheat.

Yael calls these recipes ‘comfort food’ and she’s right. They don’t taste like my childhood home but they have just the right texture and feel.

Amir’s Soba Noodles with Sesame

It’s very hard to give precise amounts of sesame oil and soy sauce, because each brand has a different intensity and flavor. Its best to start with less and add as necessary.

3.5 oz / 100 gr. of dry soba noodles
2 teaspoons of sesame oil (you can mix with regular if its very intense)
2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce (or 1 teaspoon regular)
2 stalks of scallions – finely chopped
1 heaping teaspoon of sesame seeds

Cook the noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes (or as directed on the package). Drain. Make sure not to overcook, otherwise you’ll end up with a soba mush!

Heat the oil in a wok or pan on high heat. Add the sesame seeds, stir and add the scallions. Stir and wait one minute. Add the soba noodles and soy sauce. Stir for two minutes to let the flavors absorb. Taste and fix seasoning. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and some more fresh scallions and serve immediately.

Hilla’s Soba with Cilantro

For one.

3.5 oz / 100 gr. dry soba noodles
1 -2 Tablespoons canola oil
2 heaping teaspoons of finely chopped cilantro
1 tightly packed teaspoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce (or less if using regular)

Cook the noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes (or as directed on the package). Drain. Make sure not to overcook, otherwise you’ll end up with a soba mush!

Heat a wok or a pan, add the oil and add the cilantro. Stir well and add the sugar and soy sauce. Stir until the sugar melts and add the soba noodles. Keep stirring for 2 minutes until the flavors are absorbed. Check seasoning and fix if necessary. Should be sweet and cilantro-y and delicious.