Citrus Soba Noodles Recipes

CITRUS SOBA NOODLES

Steps:

• Cook the noodles in boiling water according to pack instructions, about 7 mins, then rinse under cold running water until cool. Drain well.
• Tip into a bowl and toss with the spring onions, lime zest and juice, and soy sauce.

COLD NOODLES WITH CHILE OIL AND CITRUSY CABBAGE

Steps:

• Heat oil, fennel seed, pepper flakes, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns and star anise (if using) in a small pot over the lowest heat possible. Cook, swirling occasionally, until you start to hear and see the garlic and spices frizzle and toast in the oil, 5 to 8 minutes. (Every stove is different and sometimes the low isn't as low as we'd like, so keep an eye on things; it may take less time.) Keep cooking at the lowest heat setting until the spices are toasted and the garlic is golden brown, another 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Meanwhile, cook noodles in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. (If not using right away, spread onto a rimmed baking sheet and toss with a little canola oil to prevent sticking.)
• If serving the citrusy cabbage, place cabbage in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add citrus juice and zest, tossing to coat. Let sit a few minutes to soften. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.
• If serving the tahini sauce, whisk tahini, garlic, lemon juice, sesame oil and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl until a creamy dressing forms. (Tahini thickness varies greatly from brand to brand; if you need more water to achieve a smooth, creamy dressing, add it by the teaspoonful until you get the desired texture.) Add herbs and season with salt, pepper and more lemon juice, if desired. Alternatively, place all ingredients and 1/4 cup water in the bowl of a food processor and process until a smooth, creamy dressing forms.
• If serving the lemony scallions, combine scallions, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and soy sauce in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper and let sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.
• When ready to eat, toss noodles with vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Spoon chile oil over the noodles, tossing to coat; keep adding the oil until your noodles are evenly coated. (Keep in mind you have other sauces for the noodles, so you're just looking for them to be coated and sufficiently spicy.) Serve any additional chile oil alongside for personal spooning, with the cabbage and other sauces if you like. See the notes for adding more spicy things and blanched or roasted vegetables.

VEGAN SOBA NOODLE SALAD WITH SESAME AND CITRUS

Steps:

• Whisk lemon, lime, and orange zests and juices, rice vinegar, miso, and toasted sesame oil together in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Bring lightly salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add soba noodles; cook, stirring occasionally until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Top soba noodles with cucumber, carrots, avocado, green onions, and prepared dressing. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot or chilled.

COLD SOBA NOODLES WITH HERBS AND MANGO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook soba noodles according to package directions until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Immediately drain and place in a bowl of cold water to cool. Drain well.
• Combine cooled noodles, carrot, mango, cabbage, cilantro, mint, and Thai basil in a bowl.
• Whisk together lime juice, sesame oil, tamari, and Sriracha sauce in a separate bowl. Drizzle some of the dressing sparingly over the soba noodle salad, toss to cover, and taste. Repeat until you have reached the preferred amount of dressing. Garnish with chopped green onion and allow to stand about 10 minutes before serving.

SPICY COLD SOBA NOODLES

Steps:

• Bring soy sauce to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until reduced by half, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove soy sauce from the heat and stir in molasses.
• Whisk sesame oil, tahini, balsamic vinegar, and chili oil together in a medium mixing bowl. Slowly whisk in soy sauce mixture. Stir in 1/2 of the scallions.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add soba noodles and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 3 minutes. Immediately drain and rinse thoroughly in cold water.
• Combine noodles and sauce. Sprinkle remaining scallions and sesame seeds over top and refrigerate until cold, at least 30 minutes.