Black Sesame Soba Noodle Salad with Tofu and Miso Lime Dressing Recipe

Drawing from the beautifully simple, yet deeply nourishing nature of Japanese cuisine, this dish offers a refreshing new take on traditional soba noodle salad. Here, the heartiness of soba noodles and tofu gets an uplift from the unique combination of black sesame and zesty miso-lime dressing. The creation is as delicious as it is visually stunning, embodying a sense of balance and harmony in every bite.

Ingredient List:

For the soba noodle salad:

• 200g soba noodles

• 300g firm tofu, cubed

• 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage

• 1 cup julienned carrots

• 1 cup julienned cucumber

• 1/4 cup black sesame seeds

• 2 green onions, sliced

For the miso lime dressing:

• 3 tablespoons white miso paste

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

Preparation Steps:

1. Start by preparing the soba noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.

2. Pan-fry the tofu cubes in a non-stick pan until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, combine cooked soba noodles, pan-fried tofu, red cabbage, carrots, cucumber, black sesame seeds, and green onions.

4. To prepare the miso lime dressing, whisk together miso paste, lime juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil until well combined.

5. Toss the soba noodle salad with the miso lime dressing until everything is well coated.

6. Serve the salad in individual bowls, garnished with extra black sesame seeds and green onions.

Chef's Tips:

• Rinse the soba noodles thoroughly to remove any excess starch and to cool them down quickly.

• The salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. However, add the dressing just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch of the vegetables.

Cooking Time & Servings: Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Servings: 4

Drink Pairing: A light Japanese beer or a refreshing cucumber-infused water would pair nicely with this dish, balancing the robust flavors of the soba noodle salad.