Soba Noodle Salad with Prawns

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This flavorful and nourishing Soba Noodle Salad with Prawns combines fresh prawns, crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and nutty buckwheat noodles with a sweet and savory sesame dressing. Whether you’re hosting a gourmet picnic or a casual backyard barbecue, this salad will surely be a hit with guests.

This week, I just had to make this Soba Noodle Salad with Prawns. Buckwheat soba noodles are one of my favorite things to eat. I crave their texture. Toothsome, nutty, and perfect with chilled prawns, sweet sesame dressing, and thinly cut vegetables. Fragrant mint, dill, Thai basil, and cilantro enhance the crunchy snap peas, radish, carrot, and cucumber in this veggie-packed salad. So fantastic.

Just a few blocks east of our storefront in Spokane’s East Central district is a small Asian market. I often wander into the store in search of interesting finds—noodles, ethnic sauces, fishy pastes, candies, and the like. I browse the aisles, taking in the familiar yet strangely unidentifiable smell of the store. I delight in the loud humming of the grocer’s refrigeration fans and air conditioning system, which seems to be perpetually turned to its highest setting, no matter what time of year it is.  The little store is magic and a welcome escape from the world outside.

On this lazy Tuesday afternoon, I wandered again to the Asian market. Buckwheat Soba noodles were on my list, along with bunches of fresh herbs, fish sauce, and a brand-new bottle of toasted sesame oil.

Is Buckwheat Gluten Free?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about buckwheat. Despite its name, buckwheat isn’t related to wheat at all. Buckwheat is a gluten-free seed related to rhubarb and sorrel, making it an excellent alternative for those with gluten sensitivities. Buckwheat is rich in nutrients like fiber, protein, and essential minerals. Buckwheat noodles, also known as Soba noodles, are a popular staple in Japanese cuisine. They have a firm, satisfying texture, making them perfect for salads like this one.

Soba Noodle Salad Ingredients

• Buckwheat Soba Noodles
• Chilled Prawns (cooked, peeled, deveined)
• Soy Sauce
• Rice Vinegar
• Fish Sauce
• Toasted Sesame Oil
• Mirin
• Sugar
• Napa Cabbage or Bok Choy
• Cucumber (English is preferable)
• Snap Peas
• Radish
• Carrots
• Red Bell Pepper
• Scallion
• Mint
• Cilantro
• Thai Basil
• Dill

How to Make Soba Noodle Salad

Step 1. Make the Sesame Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients (soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame seed oil, sugar, mirin, and fish sauce). Set aside.

How To Cook Soba Noodles

Step 2. Cook and Chill Soba Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook soba noodles for 3-4 minutes or until just done. This texture of noodles is also referred to as “al-dente” or “to the tooth.” Noodles should be tender but have a slight chewy resistance in the center. Do not overcook soba noodles. Drain the noodles into a colander and run them under cold water until thoroughly chilled. This will remove excess starch and prevent overcooking.

Step 3. Prepare Vegetables and Herbs: Slice napa cabbage, sugar snap peas, carrot, and bell pepper into thin strips. Cut cucumber lengthwise and then slice into thin half-moon slices. Thinly slice radishes. Chop fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, Thai Basil, dill, scallion).

Step 4. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, toss soba noodles, sliced vegetables, chilled prawns, and chopped herbs with sesame dressing. Refrigerate the salad for 15 -30 minutes before serving so that the flavors can combine.

With its bright flavors and refreshing ingredients, this chilled Soba Noodle Salad with Prawns is the perfect addition to any springtime gathering. So go ahead, invite your friends and family over, and treat them to a taste of spring they won’t soon forget!

xoxo

Kristen

All About Soba!

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