Vegan Summer Soba Noodle Recipe

This Vegan Soba Noodle Recipe is one of my favorite noodle recipes. It’s packed full of good nutrition, fiber, and protein. But the best part is that it is superbly delicious, flavorful, fresh, and healthy. Perfect for a warm summer day or a cold winter night as it can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature.

When I first discovered soba noodles, it was hard to get around the darker color. But when I tasted it, I was hooked. Using Soba Noodles is a healthy way to enjoy all the noodles your heart desires.

Other Noodle Recipes You Might Like:

• Amazing Curry Noodle Soup
• Summer Squash Noodles
• Vegetable Lo Mein
• Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic, and Basil

What are Soba Noodles?

Soba Noodles originated in Japan. They are made with buckwheat flour and water, a healthy whole grain flour that delivers nutrients and fiber to the diet. It is a great way to get healthy nutrition and still enjoy the comfort of noodle dishes. Buckwheat is also naturally gluten-free, which means that soba noodles can be a great choice for a gluten-free diet. However, be aware that some companies now add wheat to their soba noodles. So check the ingredients to be sure.

Ingredients for the Vegan Soba Noodle Sauce:

Bragg Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce):

• Bragg Liquid Aminos is an unfermented soy sauce alternative made from soybeans. I prefer to use Braggs, but you can substitute with any soy sauce.

Sesame oil:

• Sesame oil is mainly used for its unique and nutty flavor in this recipe.

Lime:

• Lime adds a touch of acidity to the sauce. It is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Agave Nectar:

• Agave Nectar balances the flavor. Only a very little amount is used, but it makes a difference. It can be substituted with maple syrup, honey, or your choice of sweetener.

Chili Garlic Paste:

Chili garlic paste can be purchased in your regular grocery store. If this is not available to you, substitute with fresh garlic and crushed red pepper.

Fresh Ginger:

Fresh ginger is a wonderful addition to this sauce. Ginger is well known for its medicinal properties, but it also is a terrific spice.

How to Make the Soba Noodle Sauce?

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Step 1:

• In a small bowl, add Bragg Liquid Aminos, sesame oil, agave, fresh lime juice, and chili garlic paste.
• Next, peel and mince the ginger. An easy way to peel ginger is to use a spoon to scrape off the very thin skin. Just scrape off what you will need, and leave the skin on to preserve the rest of the ginger root. A lemon zester does quick work out of grating ginger.

Step 2:

Stir to combine. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the noodles and vegetables. Be sure to stir the sauce again before adding it to the dish.

Ingredients for the Vegan Soba Noodle Recipe:

Soba noodles:

Soba noodles are one of the healthiest and most nutritious noodles on the planet. It is made from buckwheat flour and is rich in protein and fiber.

Edamame:

Edamame is young green soybeans that can be purchased already prepared. They are a source of antioxidants, nutrients, fiber and protein.

Snow Peas:

Snow peas, with that vibrant green color and sweet, crunchy taste, provide a wonderful texture to this recipe. They are also packed with nutrients and fiber, but also very low in calories.

Carrots:

Carrots add such a beautiful color to the dish; besides, they are loaded with vitamin A, antioxidants, and fiber.

Cilantro

Cilantro is a wonderful herb that adds a slightly sour-sweet note to the dish. Use fresh – add at the very last minute.

Sesame Seeds:

Sesame is a seed that adds texture, crunch, flavor, and fiber to the dish. They are also a source of healthy fat and protein. Toasting the sesame seeds brings out a unique flavor that is particularly delicious in this noodle dish.

Cherry Tomatoes:

Cherry tomatoes provide a sweet freshness to the recipe. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, packed with antioxidants, and add beauty to the finished dish.

How to Cook the Soba Noodles:

• Bring a large pot of water to boil. Do not salt the water.
• Add the noodles to the boiling water. Stir to make sure they do not stick together. Reduce heat slightly to make sure they do not boil over.
• Cook for the length recommended on the package (usually 3-4 minutes).
• Drain and rinse in cold water. Rinsing in cold water is essential to stop the noodles from overcooking and ensure the noodles do not stick together. Set aside. If noodles begin to stick, rinse with water and drain again.

How to Make this Vegan Soba Noodle Recipe:

Step 1:

• Prepare the sauce

Step 2:

• Cook the soba noodles

Step 3:

• Prepare the vegetables by shredding the carrots, removing the string from the snow peas and slicing them into strips, half the cherry tomatoes, and chop the Cilantro.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove from heat. Place the carrots, snow peas, and edamame in the boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Remove from water.

Step 4:

• In a large skillet or saucepan, add noodles, vegetables, cherry tomatoes, Cilantro, and sauce, and mix to blend. Heat until the desired temperature. Remove from heat.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions:

• If you would like the dish to look extra beautiful, it may be worth cooking the vegetables separately and placing them in piles on top of the bowl.
• Cook the noodles in the sauce, reserving some sauce to add to the top.
• Place the noodles in the bottom of a serving bowl. Place each vegetable in piles around the top of the bowl and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh minced cilantro. Finish the dish by adding the reserved sauce or serve it on the side for guests or family to add as they prefer.
• This Vegan Soba Noodle Recipe can be served either cold, warm, or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I store leftover Soba Noodles?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment or Tools:

• Large Skillet or large shallow sauce: for heating the dish
• Large saucepan: for blanching/cooking the vegetables
• Lemon zester: for grating the ginger

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you toast sesame seeds?

On the stovetop:

• In a dry skillet (no oil), over medium heat, add sesame seeds and toast them for 2-3 minutes until golden in color. Stir occasionally; they burn quickly, so keep an eye on them.

In the oven:

• Preheat the oven to 350. Place seeds on a baking sheet (no oil) and bake for 5 minutes until golden brown. This method is very useful when you have to toast a larger quantity.

What’s the difference between snow peas and snap peas (sugar snap peas)?

• Snow peas are flat with small peas inside
• Snap Peas (Sugar Snap Peas) are plump with much larger peas inside.

Can I substitute snap peas for snow peas?

Yes, that will work.

Do you need to remove the strings of the snow peas?

No, you can leave the strings, but the snow peas are easier to chew when the strings are removed.

How do you remove the strings from the snow peas?

Break off a tiny piece of the tip of the snow pea, leaving the string attached. Slowly and carefully pull the string off.

What herb can I substitute for cilantro?

Thai basil or parsley.

How do you stop the noodles from overcooking?

It is essential to rinse the noodles in cold water as soon as they are cooked. This stops the cooking process so that the noodles do not get mushy or overcooked. The noodles may stick to each other; if that is the case, rinse with water and drain again before adding them to the dish.

Are Soba Noodles Vegan?

Most Soba Noodles are Vegan, but it is always a good idea to read the label.

Are Soba Noodles Gluten-Free?

Yes, most Soba Noodles are Gluten-free; however, there are varieties on the market that also incorporate regular wheat, which is not gluten-free, so be sure to read the label. Buckwheat, the main ingredient, is naturally gluten-free.

Are Soba Noodles Soy-Free?

Yes, most soba noodles are soy-free, but the sauces are usually not. Substitute the soy sauce in the sauce with a soy-free alternative.

Can I Use Different Vegetables?

Absolutely – the vegetable suggestion in this recipe requires very little cooking (30-60 seconds). So, substitute with vegetables that also require little cooking, or adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make the Vegan Soba Noodle Recipe without refined oil?

• Yes, you can omit the sesame oil.
• Or you can add a teaspoon or two of tahini.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• Yes, this recipe can be served either cold, warm, or at room temperature.
• Keep in mind that it is absolutely best when the veggies are crunchy and fresh.

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