A refreshing and light meal, this one-pot recipe delivers bold flavors and a satisfying texture. Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, bring a nutty taste and chewy consistency, making them the perfect base for a chilled noodle salad.
The combination of crisp vegetables and a miso-based dressing enhances the dish, creating a balance of umami, crunch, and freshness.
A Perfect Balance of Ingredients
This dish features a harmonious blend of ingredients that enhance both taste and texture:
- Soba noodles provide a chewy base.
- Crunchy cucumbers, snow peas, and radishes add freshness.
- A miso-based dressing infuses umami flavor.
- Toasted sesame seeds and nori (optional) elevate the dish with a subtle briny and nutty taste.
- Dried arbol chiles or red pepper flakes offer a hint of heat for spice lovers.
One-Pot Convenience for Easy Preparation
This dish is perfect for those who love minimal cleanup and efficient cooking. The soba noodles are cooked in a single pot, making the preparation process smooth and hassle-free.
Once drained and rinsed under cold water, they retain their firm yet tender texture.
The dressing is mixed separately and easily incorporated, ensuring every bite is well-coated with flavor. With just one pot and a simple tossing method, this meal comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Customization & Dietary Adaptations
One of the best aspects of this one-pot recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few ways to customize the dish to fit dietary preferences:
- Vegan-friendly: This dish is naturally plant-based, making it a great option for vegans.
- Gluten-free alternative: While traditional soba noodles contain some wheat, gluten-free buckwheat soba noodles can be substituted.
- Protein boost: Add tofu, edamame, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Extra crunch: Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for additional texture.
- Mild or spicy: Adjust the amount of arbol chiles or red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This chilled soba noodle dish is a complete meal on its own but pairs well with various accompaniments:
- Light miso soup for a comforting side.
- Pickled vegetables to add a tangy contrast.
- A glass of iced green tea or citrusy sparkling water to complement the flavors.
- Grilled proteins or fresh spring rolls for a more substantial meal.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This one-pot recipe is great for meal prep and can be stored easily for later use. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Separation tip: Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain noodle texture.
- Refreshing leftovers: Toss with a bit of extra dressing or a splash of sesame oil before serving.
- Serving cold or at room temperature: Best enjoyed chilled, but can be left at room temperature for a short period before serving.
Whether enjoyed solo or as part of a spread, this one-pot recipe is refreshing, satisfying, and packed with delicious flavors.
Refreshing Chilled Soba Noodles with Cucumbers & Radishes One-Pot Recipe
Equipment
- 6 quarts dutch oven
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons white miso or substitute yellow, red, or brown miso
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 –2 dried arbol chiles stemmed and minced (or substitute ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes)
For the Noodles & Vegetables:
- 8 ounces dried soba noodles
- ½ English cucumber quartered lengthwise, seeded, and sliced thin on a bias
- 4 ounces snow peas strings removed, cut lengthwise into matchsticks
- 4 radishes trimmed, halved, and sliced thin
- 3 scallions sliced thin on a bias
- 1 8-inch-square sheet nori, toasted and cut into 2-inch-long matchsticks (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the miso, mirin, sesame oil, sesame seeds, grated ginger, and arbol chiles with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth.
- In a large Dutch oven (6-quart capacity), bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but still chewy. Drain noodles and rinse under cold running water until fully chilled. Drain well and transfer to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add the sliced cucumber, snow peas, radishes, scallions, and optional nori to the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and season with salt as needed. Serve immediately.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.