Matcha Soba with Sesame Ginger Dressing

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) matcha soba noodles 200g (7 oz) matcha soba noodles
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 small cucumber, julienned 1 small cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the matcha soba noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and sesame seeds to make the dressing.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked matcha soba noodles, green onions, cucumber, and carrot.
4. 4.
   Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the noodles and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. 5.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
6. 6.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Matcha soba noodles — Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but make sure not to overcook them as they should have a slightly chewy texture.
• Sesame oil — Use a high-quality toasted sesame oil for a more pronounced flavor.
• Rice vinegar — Opt for unseasoned rice vinegar to avoid any additional flavors.
• Honey — Substitute with maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan version.
• Grated ginger — Use fresh ginger for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before adding them to the dressing.
• Add some sliced avocado or edamame beans for extra creaminess and protein.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Customize the vegetable toppings based on your preference and seasonal availability.
• Make a larger batch of the sesame ginger dressing and store it in the refrigerator for future use.

Serving advice

Serve the Matcha Soba with Sesame Ginger Dressing chilled as a refreshing main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled fish or tofu. It can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or a picnic option.

Presentation advice

Arrange the matcha soba noodles on a plate or in a bowl, and top them with the julienned vegetables. Drizzle the sesame ginger dressing over the noodles and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve with chopsticks for an authentic Japanese dining experience.