International Cuisine > Japanese Cuisine > Ramen & Noodle Dishes (Japanese) > Soba Noodle Dishes (Hot & Cold)

Zaru Soba (ざるそば)

Chilled soba noodles served on a bamboo tray with a dipping sauce. A refreshing and light Japanese dish perfect for hot weather.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
7 minutes
Servings
2
Ingredients
  • 200 g Dried Soba Noodles
  • 1 cup Mentsuyu (Noodle Dipping Sauce)
  • to taste Wasabi
  • 2 Green Onions (scallions), thinly sliced
  • 1 sheet Nori Seaweed, finely sliced

Cook the Soba Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the dried soba noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to overcook.

Rinse and Chill the Noodles

Drain the noodles immediately and rinse thoroughly under cold running water until completely cooled. This step is crucial to remove excess starch and prevent sticking. Place the rinsed noodles in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes to ensure they are thoroughly chilled. Drain well.

Prepare the Dipping Sauce

Pour the mentsuyu (noodle dipping sauce) into small individual bowls. If you don't have pre-made mentsuyu, you can make a simple version by combining dashi, soy sauce, and mirin to taste.

Assemble the Dish

Arrange the chilled soba noodles on a zaru (bamboo tray) or a plate. Serve with the mentsuyu dipping sauce, wasabi, sliced green onions, and nori seaweed on the side.

Enjoy!

To eat, pick up a small amount of soba noodles with chopsticks and dip them into the mentsuyu sauce. Add wasabi, green onions, and nori to the sauce according to your preference.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

(Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.) Calories: 100-130 Protein: 4-7g Carbohydrates: 18-22g Fat: 1-3g Sodium: 400-600mg

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

Zaru soba is a relatively light and low-fat dish. The sodium content can be higher due to the dipping sauce, so use mentsuyu in moderation. Adding more vegetables or protein sources to the meal can enhance its nutritional value.

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FAQ

  • What is mentsuyu?

    Mentsuyu is a Japanese noodle dipping sauce made from dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sometimes sake. It can be purchased pre-made or easily made at home.
  • Can I use a different dipping sauce?

    While mentsuyu is the traditional dipping sauce for zaru soba, you can experiment with other sauces, but the flavor profile will be different. A ponzu sauce could be a decent alternative.
  • How do I store leftover soba noodles?

    Store leftover cooked soba noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Rinse them again before serving to prevent sticking.