Can we just talk about Soba noodles for a second??
I had actually never tried them before making this recipe. I see them all over the place, though. I guess I’m jumping on the bandwagon a little late…
But they are so dang good! I was definitely expecting them to taste more…healthy…than they taste.
But I actually liked these Soba noodles just as much as regular pasta. Except these are way healthier… literally half the calories.
There are just a little over 100 calories in an entire cup of cooked Soba noodles. That’s what we call a win, people.
Take these yummy, nutty noodles and add in some red bell pepper, edamame, scallions, and a dressing that will knock your socks off, and you have a filling, healthy, and SUPER flavorful meal!
So I have a few Soba noodle tips and tricks for you because they are a little different cooking wise than regular ol’ pasta.
1. They only take about 4-6 minutes to cook (maybe more depending on the brand), so I would get all your other prep work done first so you can focus on watching your noodles. They can overcook really quickly and will become mushy fast.
2. Stir the noodles and pull them apart with tongs as they are cooking so you don’t get noodle clumps.
3. Once the 3 minute mark hits, pull a noodle out every 30 seconds or so and test it for done-ness.
4. Have a colander ready to go in the sink along with a big bowl of cold water next to it. When the noodles are done, add them to your colander and rinse them with cold water. Transfer them to your bowl of cold water and “wash” them with your hands. Just grab handfuls of noodles and rub. This will take away some of the excess starch and help assure that your noodles wont turn out all gummy.
So – Kansas. We heard so, so, SO many bad things about Fort Riley and how there is nothing to do here, and it’s only a good base if you are obsessed with hunting and fishing, and blah blah blaaahhhh blah blah.
Obviously we didn’t have super high hopes for this base. We are so confused now that we are here, because we absolutely love it. I have zero idea what so many people were complaining about. It is seriously gorgeous…like out of a movie. Miles of rolling green hills, tons of trees…did I mention green? Green places make me happy.
And as for the “nothing to do” complaint, these people be cray cray…
There is a big college (K-State) 20 minutes away from the base…meaning there is a college town…with lots of stuff to do. For example…yesterday we went to this Thai place and had seriously the best red curry I have ever had in my life. And then after that we went to this little zoo that’s in Manhattan (yes, the town is called Manhattan…it’s nicknamed “The Little Apple”), and it was SO much fun.
I’ve never been to a zoo like it before – they let some of the animals roam free around the zoo. Like the peacocks for example. Just random peacocks walkin’ around all over the place.
This is a horrible phone picture, but look at this dude!
Straight chillin’.
We were like a foot away from them. Seth touched a feather.
I got nervous and chickened out.
Regret.
And then in other exhibits they didn’t even have cages between you and the animals. There was just a dirt path through their little habitats. It was crazy!
Then we came back and sat out on our porch because it felt amazing outside.
Here’s another bad phone picture for you…the view from our front porch – this is part of our little neighborhood.
And here is the front of our house:
Boone looks like he is roaming free, but he is really attached to the railing by his leash because when we let him off his leash outside he decides that he wants to be chased and REFUSES to come when we call him.
He just gets close to us and then runs away.
It’s really fun. We really enjoy that.
Anyway, my point in all this is to say, yay Kansas!
Here’s to awesome Soba Noodle Salad and Kansas not sucking :)!
- 9.5 oz package Soba noodles
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 5 large basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 cups edamame (I used the pre-shelled edamame from the frozen vegetable section. Make sure you thaw them completely before adding them into the salad)
- For the sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or Tamari if gluten free)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
- ¼ teaspoon sriracha
- ½ teaspoon honey (omit if vegan)
- Black sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Bring a pot of water to a boil
- Meanwhile, prep all your vegetables and make your sauce
- For the sauce, add all ingredients into a blender and blend until everything is combined and there are no chunks of garlic or ginger
- When your water is boiling, add in your Soba noodles and reduce to a simmer
- Simmer for 4-6 minutes (or longer depending on the brand - there will be cooking instructions on the package), stirring often so the noodles don't stick together
- Place a colander in the sink and place a big bowl of very cold water next to the sink
- After 3-4 minutes, start testing noodles for done-ness every 30 seconds or so by pulling one out at a time and biting into it - the noodle should be soft but not mushy
- When the noodles are done, drain them into the colander and run cold water over the noodles
- Add them to the bowl of cold water and "wash" them - grab handfuls of noodles and rub together (this will remove extra starch so the noodles won't be gummy)
- Add them back into the colander and let drain for about 5 minutes
- Add the noodles to a big bowl and throw in your peppers, scallions, and edamame
- Add some of the sauce and toss to combine - add more sauce to taste
- Top with the sliced basil leaves and sesame seeds
*This recipe is gluten free and vegan – if you are gluten free, make sure to get 100% buckwheat Soba noodles; there are some brands that also include wheat flour*
If you make this or any of my other recipes, be sure to Instagram it and hashtag #thegarlicdiaries!
Yay, so glad you like Kansas so far, that peacock picture is awesome and your house is adorable! This salad looks incredible! We love soba noodles and this is light and refreshing dish is perfect for summer!
Thanks, Kelly! If you love soba noodles you definitely need to try this!
Looks likes it was very pretty out there, Annie! You say, bad phone picture, I rather loved them, specially that peacock picture, gorgeous! PS: I’m having soba noodles fever these days! Love the texture of these noodles! This cold salad looks super yummy! I have to try it soon!
Savita @ ChefDeHome recently posted…By ChefDeHome- Marinated Kale and Rice Salad in a Jar
It is very pretty! Well I’m glad you liked my phone pictures :). I am having Soba noodle fever too…I made them again yesterday!! You have to try it!
My mom grew up in Kansas! In Lawrence, where KU is. Always lots to do when we go visit. And lots of great restuarants (hello bbq!). Your new place looks great. And these noodles look so delicious! Love soba noodles. That sauce sounds goooood!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely recently posted…Weekly Menu & Shopping List :: June 22-26
Really? Ah, KU – K State’s rival I hear. I guess I should try and care about that since we live here now haha. We have seen tons of bbq places around! Thank you :). The sauce is very yummy!
Cheers to Kansas no gummy noodles and Kansas not sucking! I LOVE your house and your neighborhood. Congratulations again on having your own house! That zoo looks super fun too!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…Bourbon Peach Belgian Waffles
Cheers :)!! Thank you, Rachelle!
How was I unaware of these Soba noodles calorie facts!? This looks SO GOOD and now I am extra hungry for it since there are only 100 calories to a cup of noodles! :D
Sam @ SugarSpunRun recently posted…Key Lime Pie
I know! I was mad I hadn’t tried them sooner. I just whipped up another batch for my hubbs and his friends on their lunch break ;). Crowd pleaser!
This soba noodle salad looks divine, Annie! I’ve never tried soba noodles before, but you’ve convinced me to give them a try! :D
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext recently posted…Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake in a Jar {No-Bake}
Thanks, Jess! You HAVE to try them!
I am all about the soba noodles. You can make so many quick and easy meals with it. Oh, and dressing sticks really well to them.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Thai Chicken Meatballs by Dannii
Yes! Agreed on both points :).
Kansas doesn’t sound so bad! Glad you are liking it so far. We lived in Oklahoma for a bit and it was awful. But we visited Wichita while we were living there and really liked it. Oddly we had the most amazing oysters there lol!! Soba noodles rock, especially in chilled salads. This one looks great!!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel recently posted…Grown-Up Cherry Vanilla Floats
It’s really not so bad! I’ve only been to Oklahoma once, and it was where Oklahoma University was, so I’m sure that wasn’t an accurate view of the whole state. Amazing oysters in Kansas? Weird! Thanks, Jess!
Soba noodles salad look way too delicious, Annie! Absolutely gorgeous and full of good health! Can’t wait to try! :)
Thanks, Anu! So so yummy :).
Oh that salad looks KICK ASS!!! I am a fan! I would make it with spaghetti squash for sure!
GiGi Eats recently posted…Pixar’s Inside Out Delivers… Pizza!
Haha, thanks GiGi!
So glad you like Kansas, Annie! Sounds like it’s very pretty there! And these noodles sound amazing! I’ve only had soba noodles a few times before, but have never thought to make my own before. These look so delicious!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Mini Strawberry Orange Scones
Thanks, Gayle :). It is gorgeous! You should really try and make your own – so easy and healthy!
Love this cold soba noodle salad recipe. It’s not jut healthy but tasty also. Love your blog !! happy to follow you !!
Thanks Rachna!!