This peanut-sesame slaw with soba noodles recipe is a vibrant fusion of flavors and textures. It's a hearty combo of crisp, fresh veggies, tender soba noodles, all tossed in a creamy peanut-sesame dressing. It's a great make-ahead meal that's packed with wholesome ingredients, offering a unique alternative to your regular noodle salads.
The key elements in this recipe are soba noodles, peanut butter, toasted sesame oil, tamari, and cabbage. Soba noodles, a type of thin Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour, might not be a staple in every pantry but they're worth seeking out for their nutty flavor and great texture. They're usually found in the Asian section of larger supermarkets or at specialty food stores. Tamari is a type of soy sauce that's generally gluten-free and has a richer, less salty flavor than traditional soy sauce. It can be found in the same aisle as soy sauce in most grocery stores.
Ingredients for Peanut-Sesame Slaw with Soba Noodles
Soba noodles: These Japanese noodles, made from buckwheat, offer a unique, nutty flavor and firm texture. Purple cabbage: This vibrant vegetable adds a nice crunch and is packed with nutrients. Brussels sprouts: They provide a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and a great crunch. Carrots: They add a sweet note and a pop of color. Green onions: They lend a mild, yet flavorful oniony element. Peanut butter: It forms the base of the dressing, contributing a rich, creamy texture and nutty flavor. White wine vinegar: It balances out the richness of the peanut butter with its bright acidity. Toasted sesame oil: It adds a distinctive nutty, smoky flavor to the dressing. Tamari: This soy sauce variant imparts a deep, umami flavor. Honey: It adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the savory elements. Fresh ginger: It gives a zesty kick, complementing the other Asian flavors. Garlic cloves: Their strong, pungent flavor enhances the overall depth of the dressing. Peanuts: They add a welcome crunch and reinforce the peanut theme. Cilantro: Its fresh, citrusy notes brighten up the overall flavors. Lime: Its tangy juice is used to awaken the flavors just before serving. Sriracha: For those who like a little heat, this chili sauce is the perfect addition.
One reader, Ava Poole says:
This peanut-sesame slaw with soba noodles recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the combination of crunchy veggies and creamy peanut dressing is simply divine. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making This Slaw Recipe
How to cook the soba noodles: Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water before returning to the pot.
How to prepare the vegetables: If using a food processor, shred the cabbage and sprouts with the slicing disk, then grate the carrots using the grating disk. Alternatively, use a chef's knife to chop the cabbage and sprouts into thin strips, then coarsely grate the carrots.
How to prepare the dressing: In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth. Adjust the consistency by whisking in water in 1 tablespoon increments if needed.
How to serve the slaw: Before serving, wake up the flavors with a dash of lime juice or vinegar and more fresh cilantro. Serve with a sprinkling of chopped peanuts, torn cilantro, and a lime wedge. Serve with sriracha on the side for a spicy kick.
How To Make Peanut-Sesame Slaw with Soba Noodles
This healthy Asian slaw made with soba noodles, cabbage, and carrots then tossed with a peanut-sesame sauce is a perfect meal for weeknight dinner.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the slaw:
- 4ozsoba noodles,or whole wheat spaghetti
- 16ozpurple cabbage,very small, or green, sliced into quarters, and core removed, 6 cups shredded
- ½lbBrussels sprouts,about 12, nubby ends removed, or additional cabbage, about 2 cups shredded
- 4carrots,peeled
- green onions,trimmed and sliced into thin rounds
For the peanut-sesame dressing:
- ½cuppeanut butter
- 3tbspwhite wine vinegar,or rice vinegar
- 3tbsptoasted sesame oil
- 3tbspreduced-sodium tamari,or other soy sauce
- 2tbsphoney,or maple syrup
- 1tbspfresh ginger,finely grated
- 2garlic cloves,pressed or minced
- peanuts,sprinkle, coarsely chopped
- cilantro,handful, coarsely torn
- 1lime,sliced into wedges
- sriracha,or chili-garlic sauce, optional, for spice lovers
Instructions
To cook the soba noodles:
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Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water before returning to the pot.
To prepare the vegetables:
-
If using a food processor, shred the cabbage and sprouts with the slicing disk then grate the carrots using the grating disk.
-
Or use a chef’s knife to chop the cabbage and sprouts into thin strips, then coarsely grate the carrots.
To prepare the dressing:
-
In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth.
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If the mixture should be thick but drizzly; if it’s too thick, whisk in water in 1 tablespoon increments.
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In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked soba noodles, shredded cabbage and sprouts, grated carrots, and chopped green onions.
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Pour dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat. For best flavor, let the slaw marinate for 20 minutes before serving.
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Serve slaw with a sprinkling of chopped peanuts, torn cilantro, and a lime wedge. Serve with sriracha on the side, if you’d like a spicy kick.
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Before serving, wake up the flavors with a dash of lime juice or vinegar and more fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
- Calories: 257.07kcal
- Fat: 13.77g
- Saturated Fat: 2.45g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.31g
- Carbohydrates: 29.85g
- Fiber: 4.31g
- Sugar: 10.54g
- Protein: 8.56g
- Sodium: 537.04mg
- Calcium: 67.79mg
- Potassium: 512.47mg
- Iron: 1.89mg
- Vitamin A: 303.38µg
- Vitamin C: 61.43mg
Technique Tip for Making Peanut-Sesame Slaw with Soba Noodles
When preparing the peanut-sesame dressing, it's important to remember that the consistency should be thick but drizzly. If you find your dressing is too thick, don't be afraid to add water in small increments. Adding too much at once can make the dressing too thin and dilute the flavors. Instead, add just a tablespoon at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. This will ensure your dressing has the perfect consistency to coat your soba noodles and vegetables, enhancing the flavor of your dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soba Noodle Slaw
Prep ahead: Chop and shred the vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You can also mix the dressing in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to use it.
One-pot cooking: Consider cooking the soba noodles in the same pot as the vegetables to save time and reduce cleanup.
Multi-task: While the noodles are cooking, use that time to prepare the vegetables and the dressing to streamline the process.
Efficient slicing: Utilize a food processor for quick and uniform shredding of the cabbage and sprouts, and grating of the carrots.
Leftover makeover: Transform any leftover slaw into a delicious stir-fry by adding protein and serving it over rice or noodles.
Quick fix: If you're short on time, consider using pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the store to cut down on prep time.
Streamlined assembly: Opt for pre-chopped or pre-grated vegetables if available, to minimize prep work.
Substitute Ingredients For Peanut-Sesame Slaw with Soba Noodles Recipe
soba noodles - Substitute with buckwheat noodles: Buckwheat noodles have a similar nutty flavor and texture to soba noodles, making them a suitable substitute.
purple cabbage - Substitute with green cabbage: Green cabbage can be used as a substitute for purple cabbage, providing a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor.
brussels sprouts - Substitute with broccoli florets: Broccoli florets can be used as a substitute for brussels sprouts, offering a similar cruciferous flavor and texture.
carrots - Substitute with jicama: Jicama can be used as a substitute for carrots, providing a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, offering a nutty flavor and creamy consistency.
white wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for white wine vinegar, providing a slightly fruity and tangy flavor.
toasted sesame oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for toasted sesame oil, offering a mild, nutty flavor and a high smoke point.
reduced-sodium tamari - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos can be used as a substitute for reduced-sodium tamari, providing a similar umami flavor with a lower sodium content.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, offering a sweet flavor with a hint of caramelization.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger, providing a similar warm and spicy flavor.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for garlic cloves, offering a convenient way to add garlic flavor without the need for mincing.
peanuts - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can be used as a substitute for peanuts, providing a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, offering a fresh and slightly peppery flavor.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can be used as a substitute for lime, providing a similar citrusy flavor and acidity.
sriracha - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce can be used as a substitute for sriracha, offering a spicy and garlicky flavor.
Best Way to Present This Soba Noodle Slaw
Elevate the soba noodles: Carefully arrange the cooked soba noodles in a nest-like shape on the plate, creating height and visual interest.
Create a vibrant slaw bed: Arrange the shredded cabbage, brussels sprouts, and grated carrots in a colorful and visually appealing bed on the plate.
Garnish with green onions and cilantro: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions and cilantro over the slaw to add a pop of color and freshness.
Drizzle the peanut-sesame dressing: Use a squeeze bottle or a spoon to drizzle the peanut-sesame dressing in an artistic pattern over the slaw and noodles.
Add a touch of lime: Place a small wedge of lime on the plate to add a bright and citrusy element to the dish.
Sprinkle with crushed peanuts: Generously sprinkle crushed peanuts over the slaw and noodles for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Sriracha swirl: Create a decorative swirl of sriracha on the plate to add a spicy kick and an artistic touch to the presentation.
Final touch with fresh herbs: Add a few whole cilantro leaves on top of the dish for a final burst of color and a hint of herbal aroma.
Essential Tools for Making Peanut-Sesame Slaw with Soba Noodles
- Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soba noodles. It should be big enough to hold the noodles and water for boiling.
- Food processor: A food processor can be used to shred the cabbage and sprouts with the slicing disk and grate the carrots using the grating disk. It makes the vegetable preparation quick and easy.
- Chef's knife: A chef's knife is necessary for chopping the cabbage and sprouts into thin strips and for coarsely grating the carrots. It's a versatile tool for precise cutting and chopping.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to combine the dressing ingredients until smooth. It's essential for emulsifying the peanut-sesame dressing.
- Liquid measuring cup: A 2-cup liquid measuring cup is used to measure and mix the dressing ingredients. It provides precise measurements for the liquid components of the dressing.
- Large serving bowl: A large serving bowl is used to combine the cooked soba noodles, shredded cabbage and sprouts, grated carrots, and chopped green onions. It's important for tossing and coating the slaw with the dressing.
How To Store and Freeze This Slaw Recipe
- This slaw is best served immediately, but it keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for about 4 days. The vegetables will continue to soften as they marinate in the dressing.
- If you're planning to have leftovers, store the herbs separately and add them just before serving. This way, they'll stay fresh.
- The slaw is not a good candidate for freezing. The cabbage and brussels sprouts will become mushy and water-logged if frozen and thawed.
- However, you can freeze the peanut-sesame dressing on its own. It should keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. Let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You may need to whisk it again before tossing with the slaw.
- If you want to get ahead on the slaw, you can shred the cabbage, brussels sprouts, and carrots up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Combine with the soba noodles and dressing just before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Slaw
- Reheat the soba noodles by placing them in a colander and running hot water over them until they are warm and pliable. This will help prevent the noodles from becoming mushy when reheating the entire dish.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a small amount of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the leftover peanut-sesame slaw and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through and the flavors have melded together.
- If the slaw seems dry, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to help moisten it and create a bit of steam to heat the ingredients more evenly.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the slaw in the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the slaw is heated to your desired temperature.
- For a cold option, allow the leftover slaw to come to room temperature before serving. This will help the flavors to develop and create a refreshing, tasty meal without the need for reheating.
- Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the slaw before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a dash of soy sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and cilantro to brighten up the flavors.
Random Fact About Peanut-Sesame Slaw with Soba Noodles
Soba noodles are a type of thin Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour. Despite the name, they are not always made entirely from buckwheat and can sometimes contain wheat flour as well.
Is This Soba Noodle Slaw Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This peanut-sesame slaw with soba noodles recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, and carrots, are affordable and readily available. The dressing ingredients, like peanut butter and sesame oil, are also commonly found in most kitchens. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and budget-friendly option. I would rate this recipe a solid 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Slaw Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The peanut-sesame slaw with soba noodles recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish that offers a variety of health benefits. Here's why:
- The recipe is packed with nutrient-dense vegetables like purple cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and green onions, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
- Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, are a good source of complex carbohydrates and contain more protein and fiber than traditional wheat-based noodles.
- The peanut-sesame dressing is rich in healthy fats from peanut butter and sesame oil, which can help promote heart health and keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- The use of reduced-sodium tamari instead of regular soy sauce helps to lower the overall sodium content of the dish.
- The addition of fresh ginger and garlic not only enhances the flavor but also provides anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
To further elevate the nutritional value of this already healthy recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding shredded bell peppers, zucchini, or red cabbage to boost the vitamin and mineral content.
- Swap out the honey for a natural, low-glycemic sweetener like monk fruit or stevia to reduce the overall sugar content.
- Include a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame, to make the dish more satiating and balanced.
- Experiment with different types of nuts and seeds, like almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds, to add more texture and healthy fats to the slaw.
- Use a mix of fresh herbs, such as mint, basil, or Thai basil, alongside the cilantro to introduce more diverse flavors and potential health benefits.
Editor's Thoughts on This Slaw Recipe
The peanut-sesame slaw with soba noodles recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of crunchy cabbage, brussels sprouts, and carrots with the nutty soba noodles creates a satisfying dish. The peanut-sesame dressing adds a rich and savory element, while the hint of lime and cilantro brightens the overall profile. The addition of sriracha provides a pleasant kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Overall, this recipe offers a well-balanced and refreshing dish that is both satisfying and full of vibrant flavors.
Enhance Your Peanut-Sesame Slaw with Soba Noodles Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Soba Noodle Slaw
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with Peanut-Sesame Slaw
Why trust this Peanut-Sesame Slaw with Soba Noodles Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any noodle and vegetable enthusiast. The use of peanut butter and toasted sesame oil in the dressing creates a rich and nutty base, while the addition of fresh ginger and garlic cloves adds depth and complexity. The inclusion of purple cabbage, brussels sprouts, and carrots ensures a colorful and nutritious dish. The finishing touches of peanuts, cilantro, and a hint of sriracha provide a burst of flavor that elevates this dish to a whole new level.
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