Cold Soba Noodles with Sesame Soy Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chilled buckwheat noodles tossed in a nutty sesame soy dressing and topped with fresh scallions and toasted nori strips. This japanese (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs soba noodles, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 3 Japanese cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 8 oz soba noodles. Cook according to package instructions, usually 4-5 minutes, until just tender.
  2. Step 2: Drain noodles and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Drain well.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp mirin, and 1 tsp sugar until sugar dissolves.
  4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled soba noodles with the sesame soy dressing until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Transfer noodles to serving bowls and garnish with 3 thinly sliced scallion stalks, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1 sheet nori cut into thin strips.
  6. Step 6: Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cold Soba Noodles with Sesame Soy Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cold Soba Noodles with Sesame Soy Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soba noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cold Soba Noodles with Sesame Soy Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cold Soba Noodles with Sesame Soy Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cold Soba Noodles with Sesame Soy Dressing vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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