Shrimp soba noodle salad is one of our favorite Japanese recipes and is incredibly easy-to-make, so it’s perfect for beginners. The soba noodle is in an underrated noodle that falls second to ramen in popularity and use. However, this buckwheat based noodle is as versatile as it is healthy, move over ramen there’s a new noodle in town.
Ease of Making: Easy
Soba noodles are one of the healthiest types of noodles as they are gluten-free, low fat and high in both protein and fiber. One cup of cooked soba noodles contains 6 grams of protein which is essential to building muscle, and producing hemoglobin to keep your immune system healthy.
The shrimp in this recipe coupled with the soba, provides even more protein. Shrimp is a powerhouse food if you’re on a diet because it’s high in protein but low in carbs, calories and fats. Shrimp contains a wide variety of nutrients including antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids which have shown to improve heart health.
How to Cook Soba Noodles
If you’re wondering how to make soba noodles, there are several steps you can take to ensure you get it right. Soba noodles are extremely versatile and can be served both hot or cold depending on which soba noodle recipe you’re following. The noodles in the recipe will be warm after cooking but will cool as you rinse them and add in the ingredients for the sauce. You can eat this warm or chilled as a prepped item for the week.
Step 1: Pick a big enough pot so your noodles have room to move around.
Step 2: Don’t salt your pasta water.
Step 3: Cook for a short amount of time. Soba noodles only need a maximum of 7 minutes (depending on how much you are cooking) in the water before they should be removed. The majority of soba noodles will cook in 3-5 minutes depending on their thickness. You’re aiming for an al dente noodle. Try testing out the noodles at the five minute mark to see how they are coming along.
Step 4: Rinse! Soba noodles can stick together and form a gummy clump of noodle mess if you don’t immediately rinse the starch from the pasta after cooking. Leave your soba noodles in a colander and rinse under cold water for at least a minute while you whirl them around your pot. Your water should run clear before stopping your rinse.
Step 5: Drain, serve your soba noodle salad and enjoy!
Soba Noodle FAQ
What are soba noodles?
Soba noodles are noodles made from buckwheat and whole wheat flours. Soba, is the Japanese word for buckwheat, a food many consider a superfood due to its ability to improve heart health, promote weight loss, and help manage diabetes. This type of a noodle has a mild nutty, earthy taste.
Where to buy soba noodles?
Dried soba noodles can be found in most grocery stores in the international foods aisle. Look for a noodle that is similar in appearance to spaghetti but slightly flatter and brown in color.
If you live in an area with a specialty asian food market, keep an eye out for fresh soba noodles which are fantastic as well.
Do soba noodles have egg in them?
As a general rule, soba noodles are considered vegan and do not have egg. However, there are brands that may include egg so always be sure to check the label.
Should you rinse soba noodles?
Without a doubt, you want to rinse your soba noodles. This removes excess starch and prevents a big sticky mess.
Are soba noodles bad for you?
Soba noodles are a healthier option than most other pasta options. However, there are some brands that use more refined wheat flour than buckwheat and those would be considered less nutritious.
How do you cook soba noodles so they don’t stick?
Choose a pot that is large enough to give them plenty of room to move around and rinse them immediately after cooking with cold water.
Can you use soba noodles for spaghetti?
Sure, you could! Soba noodles are similar to spaghetti in shape and function but will have a nuttier taste than a traditional pasta.
Meal prep tips for Shrimp Soba Noodle Salad
Our chilled soba noodle recipe is the perfect grab-and-go option for a quick, healthy meal. Here are some tips to make it even better.
- If you like your shrimp warm but the salad cool, store them separately in the fridge. You can then reheat the shrimp and toss them in your already chilled salad.
- Rinse your noodles. We’ve repeated this multiple times because it’s important.
- Don’t overcook them. Soba noodles should be served al dente or they can become mushy. Taste your noodles as they cook in an effort to prevent this from happening.
- Sub low-sodium soy sauce. If you’re watching your sodium intake, this is a flawless substitution to make this recipe even healthier.
- Add in other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. These all make for a great crunch alongside the slippery noodles and shrimp.
If you love this recipe, check out these other recipes we know you’ll love too:
Shrimp Soba Noodle Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions