This Soba Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s made with buckwheat noodles, fresh veggies, and a tasty broth that makes your taste buds dance.
Nothing beats a cozy bowl of soup on a chilly day! I love adding a few drops of soy sauce for an extra zing. It’s quick to whip up, which is perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dashi Stock: This is the heart of the soup, bringing all the umami flavor! If you can’t find dashi, vegetable or chicken broth works well. Just add a splash of soy sauce for an extra kick.
Soba Noodles: Buckwheat noodles are full of flavor and have a nice texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free soba. Regular spaghetti can also work in a pinch!
Mirin: This sweet rice wine adds depth. If you don’t have it, try a mixture of sugar and water. Use a tablespoon of water and half a teaspoon of sugar as a substitute.
Wakame Seaweed: It gives a lovely taste and texture. If it’s not available, you can use spinach or kale instead, though they’ll change the flavor a bit.
Egg: Soft-boiled eggs add creaminess. For a quicker option, you can use an egg substitute like tofu if you prefer. Just add it in cubes!
How Do I Cook Soba Noodles Perfectly?
Cooking soba noodles can be tricky since they often clump together. Follow these tips for a successful result:
- Use plenty of boiling water—this keeps the noodles from sticking.
- Stir gently right after you add them to the pot to prevent clumping.
- Cook for just 4-5 minutes until al dente, then drain immediately.
- Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch, which can make them gummy.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly cooked soba noodles ready to soak up that delicious broth!
How to Make Soba Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups dashi stock (or vegetable/chicken broth as substitute)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tbsp sake (optional)
- 200g soba noodles
- 1 cup wakame seaweed, soaked and drained
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- 2 eggs (soft boiled or poached)
- Nori seaweed strips (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Soba Noodle Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a warming dish on a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
Start by combining the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sake in a pot. Stir it well and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it warm up while you prepare the noodles and other ingredients.
2. Cook the Soba Noodles:
In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a boil. Add in the soba noodles and cook according to the package instructions—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes, until the noodles are tender but still a bit firm. Once cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and remove any excess starch.
3. Prepare the Wakame Seaweed:
While the noodles cook, soak the wakame seaweed in cold water for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes soft and rehydrated. Once done, drain it and set aside.
4. Boil or Poach the Eggs:
Next, prepare the eggs. If you’re soft boiling, cook them in boiling water for about 6-7 minutes. If poaching, gently place the eggs in simmering water until cooked to your preference. The key is to keep the yolks runny for that lovely creamy texture!
5. Assemble the Soup:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Divide the cooked soba noodles into serving bowls. Carefully pour the hot broth over each bowl of noodles to warm them up.
6. Add the Goodies:
Top each bowl with the soaked wakame, sliced green onions, and one egg per serving. The egg can be cut in half for a pretty presentation, allowing that golden yolk to flow into the soup!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your beautiful bowls with some shredded nori and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. This adds a nice crunch and a rich flavor. Serve immediately with chopsticks and enjoy your comforting Soba Noodle Soup!
This simple yet flavorful dish brings together the earthy buckwheat noodles, umami-rich broth, a perfect egg, and fresh seaweed into one delicious bowl of happiness. Enjoy your cozy creation!
Can I Use Regular Pasta Instead of Soba Noodles?
Yes, you can substitute regular pasta, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor will differ. Try to choose an Asian noodle like udon or whole wheat spaghetti for better compatibility with the broth and overall dish.
How Can I Store Leftover Soba Noodle Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the noodles and broth separate if possible to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian or vegan, simply use vegetable broth instead of dashi and skip the eggs. You can add tofu or additional vegetables for protein and texture!
How Can I Adjust the Saltiness of the Soup?
If you find the soup too salty, dilute it with a bit more broth or water. Taste as you go to ensure you achieve the desired flavor. You can also adjust the soy sauce to your liking before serving.