Homemade Soba Noodles with Sesame Sauce

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) buckwheat flour 200g (7 oz) buckwheat flour
• 100g (3.5 oz) all-purpose flour 100g (3.5 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 150ml (2/3 cup) water 150ml (2/3 cup) water
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Gradually add water while kneading until the dough comes together.
2. 2.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Roll out the dough into a thin sheet using a rolling pin or pasta machine. Dust with flour to prevent sticking.
4. 4.
   Fold the dough into thirds, then slice into thin noodles using a sharp knife or a pasta cutter.
5. 5.
   Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles for 4-5 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
6. 6.
   In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind the toasted sesame seeds until finely ground.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Stir until well combined.
8. 8.
   Serve the cooked soba noodles with the sesame sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Buckwheat flour — Ensure you are using 100% pure buckwheat flour for an authentic taste and texture.
• Toasted sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant before grinding them for a more intense flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use 100% buckwheat flour.
• To enhance the flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or a drizzle of sesame oil to the sesame sauce.
• Customize your toppings by adding sliced cucumber, shredded nori seaweed, or tempura flakes for extra crunch.
• Soba noodles are best enjoyed immediately after cooking, as they tend to become sticky when left to cool for too long.
• If you prefer a cold noodle dish, rinse the cooked soba noodles under cold water until chilled before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Soba Noodles with Sesame Sauce as a main course or as part of a Japanese-inspired meal. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-balanced and satisfying dish.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cooked soba noodles neatly on a plate or in a traditional Japanese noodle bowl. Drizzle the sesame sauce over the noodles and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for an attractive presentation. Consider adding a small dish of pickled ginger or wasabi on the side for an extra kick of flavor.