Chilled Soba Noodles with Gomasio and Avocado
Experience a delightful blend of flavors and textures with our Chilled Soba Noodles with Gomasio and Avocado. This dish celebrates the history and nutritional benefits of buckwheat soba noodles, traditionally enjoyed in Japan as a nourishing and special meal. Known for its light and refreshing nature, this recipe features al dente soba noodles tossed with vibrant vegetables such as shredded carrots, crisp cucumbers, and zesty radishes. A tangy vinaigrette made with soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic enhances the dish, while the creamy avocado adds richness. Finished with a sprinkle of gomasio—an aromatic blend of sesame seeds and sea salt—this dish is perfect for warm weather dining. Serve it as a light main course or as a side dish to grilled proteins, and indulge in a wholesome, low-cholesterol meal packed with flavor and nutrients.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ripe avocados
2 (sliced)
uncooked soba noodles
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
shredded carrot
1 cup (freshly shredded)
medium cucumber
1 (thinly sliced)
radishes
6 (thinly sliced)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (for vinaigrette)
lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
rice vinegar
2 tablespoons (for vinaigrette)
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (for vinaigrette)
garlic
1 clove (crushed)
spicy gomasio
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the uncooked soba noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically 4-7 minutes for al dente.
2
Once cooked, quickly drain the noodles in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to remove excess starch and prevent the noodles from sticking together.
3
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled soba noodles with the shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced radishes. Toss gently to mix.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed garlic to create a flavorful vinaigrette.
5
Pour the vinaigrette over the noodle and vegetable mixture and toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6
Carefully slice the ripe avocados and arrange them on top of the salad.
7
Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly ground spicy gomasio over the avocado and noodles.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing dish alongside grilled pork tenderloin or your favorite protein.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chilled Soba Noodles with Gomasio and Avocado?
It is a refreshing Japanese-inspired dish featuring buckwheat soba noodles, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and a nutty sesame-salt seasoning called gomasio.
What is gomasio?
Gomasio is an aromatic blend of sesame seeds and sea salt used as a flavorful topping to enhance the dish.
How long should I cook the soba noodles?
Soba noodles should be cooked according to package instructions, which typically takes between 4 to 7 minutes to reach an al dente texture.
Why is it important to rinse soba noodles with cold water?
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process immediately and removes excess starch, which prevents the noodles from sticking together.
What ingredients are in the vinaigrette for this recipe?
The vinaigrette is made from a blend of soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed garlic.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it focuses on plant-based ingredients like buckwheat noodles, vegetables, and avocado.
Which vegetables are included in this noodle salad?
This dish features shredded carrots, thinly sliced medium cucumber, and thinly sliced radishes for a crisp and refreshing texture.
How many avocados are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two ripe avocados, which should be sliced and arranged on top of the salad.
Can I serve this with a protein?
Yes, it is recommended to serve this dish alongside grilled pork tenderloin or your favorite protein for a more substantial meal.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, this is a wholesome, low-cholesterol meal packed with nutrients from buckwheat noodles and fresh vegetables.
What is the cultural significance of soba noodles?
Traditionally enjoyed in Japan, soba noodles are celebrated as a nourishing and special meal often associated with health and longevity.
How should the garlic be prepared for the dressing?
The recipe requires one clove of garlic that has been crushed to release its flavor into the vinaigrette.
How much soy sauce is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of soy sauce to be mixed into the vinaigrette.
What kind of vinegar is used for the dressing?
Rice vinegar is used to provide the necessary acidity and tanginess to the vinaigrette.
How many radishes do I need?
You will need 6 radishes, which should be thinly sliced before being added to the noodles.
When should the gomasio be added?
The gomasio should be sprinkled generously over the avocado and noodles as the final step before serving.
Is the dish served warm or cold?
This dish is served chilled, making it ideal for warm weather dining or as a refreshing spring meal.
What type of soba noodles are used?
The recipe specifies using 1 lb of uncooked buckwheat soba noodles.
How do I prepare the carrots for this dish?
You should use one cup of freshly shredded carrots to add color and crunch to the salad.
Can I use toasted sesame oil?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil is used in the vinaigrette to provide a rich, nutty flavor.
How should I toss the noodles and vegetables?
The noodles and vegetables should be tossed gently in a large serving bowl to ensure they are evenly mixed without breaking the noodles.
Is the gomasio used in this recipe spicy?
The recipe recommends using freshly ground spicy gomasio for an extra kick of flavor.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice for the vinaigrette.
What is the serving suggestion for this recipe?
It can be served as a light main course or as a side dish to complement grilled proteins.
How many cucumbers are used?
The recipe calls for one medium cucumber, which should be thinly sliced.
Should the noodles be cooked until soft?
No, the noodles should be cooked until they are al dente, meaning they still have a slight firmness to the bite.
Can I use this as a meal prep dish?
Yes, because it is served chilled, it is a great candidate for a refreshing meal prepared in advance.
What is the primary flavor profile of the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is tangy, savory, and nutty, thanks to the combination of citrus, soy, vinegar, and sesame oil.
Are soba noodles high in cholesterol?
No, this recipe is noted for being a low-cholesterol meal option.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients used to create this dish and its dressing.