Noodlepedia
A glossary of both familiar and lesser-known Asian ingredients and terms.
Soba Noodles
Thin Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour—earthy, nutty, and naturally high in fiber. Enjoyed hot or cold!
Pro Tip: After cooking, rinse soba noodles in cold water to stop the cooking and improve texture. It’s the secret to that perfect chew.
How to Use It:
- Serve chilled with dipping sauce (zaru soba)
- Add to hot broth with veggies or tofu
- Toss with sesame oil for a quick noodle salad
1. Cold Sesame Soba with Crunchy Veggies
Vibe: Light, refreshing, and hella satisfying. This is your summer slay or post-workout cool-down meal.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 pack store-bought soba noodles
1/2 cucumber, julienned
1 carrot, shredded
2 scallions, thinly sliced
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, chili crisp, tofu or egg
Dressing:
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar or honey
1 tbsp tahini or peanut butter (optional, for creaminess)
1 clove garlic, grated
👩🍳 Instructions:
Cook soba noodles, rinse under cold water, and drain well.
In a bowl, whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
Toss noodles with veggies and dressing.
Garnish with sesame seeds, scallions, or anything crunchy/spicy.
🥗 Why it hits: It’s cool, it’s nutty, it’s got that chew from the noodles and the crunch from the veg—a total texture party.
2. Hot Soy-Ginger Soba Stir-Fry with Mushrooms
Vibe: Cozy, earthy, umami-rich. This one feels comforting but still clean and balanced. Great for chilly nights or when you want savory satisfaction.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 pack store-bought soba noodles
2 cups mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or mix), sliced
1 small onion or shallot, thinly sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (or a dash of hoisin if veg)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp grated ginger
1–2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional: spinach, tofu, or shredded chicken
👩🍳 Instructions:
Cook soba noodles, rinse and drain (you can skip rinsing if you want them hot and starchy).
Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in sesame oil until fragrant.
Add mushrooms (and other veggies/protein if using) and stir-fry until tender.
Add sauces, then toss in soba noodles. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until hot and coated.
Top with scallions or chili oil if you’re feelin’ it.
🍜 Why people love it: It’s fast, flavorful, and feels fancy—but it’s totally doable on a weeknight.