Zaru Soba (Cold Soba Noodles)
Zaru soba (cold soba noodles) is the best way to eat soba (buckwheat) noodles. Zaru soba is the simplest form of eating noodles and so fast to make. It is a popular summer dish in Japan of course but if you want to be like a connoisseur and enjoy the soba itself, then eat cold even in winter. Use konbu (kelp) dashi to make it a perfect vegetarian dish.
- Prep time
- 5 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 bunches of dried soba noodles ((note 1))
- 200ml (6.8oz) dashi stock
- 50ml (1.7oz) soy sauce
- 50ml (1.7oz) mirin
- 2 tbsp finely chopped shallots ((scallions))
- Wasabi ((Japanese horseradish))
- Julienned yaki nori ((roasted seaweed sheet))
Instructions
- 1
Add dipping sauce ingredients into a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
- 2
When small bubbles start coming up around the edge, let it cook for about 15 seconds and turn off the heat. Cool down at least to room temperature (note 2).
- 3
Boil water in a large saucepan. Remove the tape from each bunch (if it is bunched) and spread noodles into the pan. Mix for about 15 seconds ensuring that each strand is separated.
- 4
Boil for the duration recommended on the back of the pack (4-6 minutes depending on the brand).
- 5
Drain into colander and rinse well under running water. Shake the colander well to remove water at the bottom of the colander and leave until required.
- 6
Plate soba noodles on a large plate to share or two plates for individual serves.
- 7
Sprinkle yaki nori on the top.
- 8
Serve with dipping sauce in a small bowl with condiments.