Looking for a refreshing dish that combines vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients? Dive into the delightful world of Asparagus Soba Noodle Salad! This Japanese-inspired recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 20 minutes from start to finish—but it also packs a punch with its nutty sesame dressing and crisp asparagus. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, this salad will have your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds. Ready to impress? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces soba noodles
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles.
- In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Set the dressing aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked soba noodles, asparagus, and chopped green onions.
- Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss to combine, adding more reserved pasta water if the dressing seems too thick.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of the salad and toss again to combine.
- Serve the Asparagus Soba Noodle Salad immediately, garnished with additional green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Noodles: To achieve the best texture, be sure to cook the soba noodles until they are al dente. Keep an eye on them as they can become mushy if overcooked.
- Asparagus Magic: For an extra burst of flavor, try grilling or roasting the asparagus instead of sautéing. This will add a smoky depth that complements the noodles beautifully.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the soy sauce and rice vinegar to suit your taste. Add a splash of lime juice for a zesty twist or a dash of chili oil for some heat.
- Add Protein: To make this salad even more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This will turn your salad into a complete meal!
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the sesame seeds and green onions! They not only enhance the presentation but also add a delightful crunch and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
