Ginger-Scallion Soba Noodles with Sesame and Baby Spinach

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

Chilled soba noodles tossed with a fragrant ginger-scallion dressing, toasted sesame seeds, and vibrant baby spinach for a light Asian-inspired dish. This japanese-inspired noodles ready in about 20 minutes pairs dried soba noodles, baby spinach leaves, stalks scallions, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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: 10 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 oz dried soba noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 4-5 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp honey, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes until well combined.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled soba noodles, 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, and 3 thinly sliced scallion stalks.
  4. Step 4: Pour the ginger-scallion dressing over the noodles and greens, tossing gently to coat everything evenly and wilt the spinach slightly.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top and serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing light meal or side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger-Scallion Soba Noodles with Sesame and Baby Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Ginger-Scallion Soba Noodles with Sesame and Baby Spinach?

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 dried soba noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Scallion Soba Noodles with Sesame and Baby Spinach?

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 Ginger-Scallion Soba Noodles with Sesame and Baby Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Ginger-Scallion Soba Noodles with Sesame and Baby Spinach?

Japanese noodles like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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