Description
WHAT IS SOBA - Soba “buckwheat" are thin Japanese noodles made from buckwheat. The noodles are served either chilled with a dipping sauce, or hot in a noodle soup. In Japan, soba noodles can be found in a variety of settings, from "fast food" venues to expensive specialty restaurants. Markets sell dried noodles and men-tsuyu, or instant noodle broth, to make home preparation easy. A wide variety of dishes, both hot for winter and cold for summer, use these noodles..JAPANESE NOODLES - Like many Japanese noodles, soba noodles are often served drained and chilled in the summer, and hot in the winter with a soy-based DASHI broth. Extra toppings can be added to both hot and cold soba. Toppings are chosen to reflect the seasons and to balance with other ingredients. Most toppings are added without much cooking, although some are deep-fried. Most of these dishes may also be prepared with Udon..HOW TO COOK SOBA NOODLES - Soba noodles are best served simply. They don’t need creamy sauces or complicated ingredients to dress them up. Adding to their ease in serving, soba is just as good served cold as it is hot. Soba noodles don’t take long to cook and are best made al dente to keep their slightly earthy chew. A few minutes of boiling time is all you need. Unlike traditional pasta noodles, soba noodles do need a rinse or two in cold water to remove the gluten and starches released while cooking so they don’t turn into mush..VERSATILE DISHES - Sesame Soba Noodles: Toss cooked soba noodles with a sesame sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. Add vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots for crunch. Stir-Fry: Cook soba noodles and toss them in a stir-fry with your favorite vegetables, protein like tofu or shrimp, and a savory sauce. Noodle Soup: Add cooked soba noodles to a flavorful broth along with vegetables, mushrooms, and protein for a comforting noodle soup. Salad: Make a refreshing salad by combining soba noodles with mixed greens, avocado, edamame, and a tangy dressing.
