In Japan, soba noodles are very popular, and they are also gaining popularity in the United States. They typically have a nutty flavor because they are made with buckwheat flour. In my humble opinion, they are almost better served cold rather than warm. Except for glass noodles, which is the subject of a completely different post, soba noodles tend to be more delicate than other noodles. Here are six steps to perfect soba noodles.
To receive daily recipes in your newsfeed, take 30 seconds to join the 30Seconds community and follow us on Facebook. Inspire and be inspired.
My most basic, perfect soba noodle recipe
Ditch the instructions on the box. This is the best method for consistently making perfect, non-gummy soba noodles.
What to serve with soba noodles?
Soba can be a very simple dish. Garnish with chives and sesame seeds for the simplest version, and you’re good to go.
However, here are some additional suggestions for your soba noodles:
If you’ve ever ruined soba noodles and vow never to do it again, raise your hand.
The Best Way to Cook Dried Noodles at Home
These noodles lose their earthy, nutty flavor and aroma when they are dried. The good news is that you can make dried noodles that taste and look exactly like freshly made soba noodles from a Japanese specialty shop. The amount of moisture makes a difference between freshly made and dried products. Soak the dried noodles in water before cooking it to allow the noodles to absorb the moisture. That also will make the cooking time shorter. Additionally, add vegetable oil to the noodles so that it will smooth them out when the starch in the noodles combines with the oil. Read below for 5 tips and tricks.
FAQ
How do you know when soba noodles are done?
To test whether the noodles are ready, remove one from the pot. Al dente soba should not be served; it should be fully cooked, but not overcooked to the point of being mushy. Drain the cooked noodles into the prepared colander, then immediately place them in the bowl of ice water. Now wash your soba noodles.
How do you not overcook soba noodles?
One thing to keep in mind is that soba noodles must not be overcooked lest they become mushy or fall apart. This can be accomplished simply by cooling them in an ice bath or by giving them a thorough rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking.
Do soba noodles need to be boiled?
Like most noodles, soba noodles should be cooked in boiling water, with the exception of some Asian varieties like cellophane and rice noodles. For the majority of brands, allow 8 to 10 minutes (although some cook in 3 to 5 minutes; always check the label for instructions).
