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Zaru Soba

August 18, 2013 by hipfoodiemom 8 Comments

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Japanese Zaru Soba! See how you can make these delicious buckwheat noodles at home!

Japanese Zaru Soba! See how you can make these delicious buckwheat noodles at home! 

Before I get to this post and recipe, I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of the emails, support, comments, well wishes and prayers for my mother (who recently had a kidney transplant; kidney donated from my sister, Grace). The support, emails and comments have been so overwhelming, thoughtful, kind and sweet and have touched me so much. It really means so much to receive support like this from many of you whom I have never met, who do not even know my mother- yet we are surrounded and blanketed by this overwhelming kindness. It’s been so touching and truly truly means so much. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

I was first introduced to Zaru Soba when my dad opened his first Japanese restaurant. I loved it. The whole experience. The beautiful presentation. The bamboo mat that the noodles came out on. Grabbing my chopsticks and dipping the noodles into the sauce and then into my mouth. Delicious!

Zaru Soba is a very popular Japanese buckwheat noodle dish. I love that it’s so light, tasty and good for you!  If you’ve never tried Zaru Soba, get out to one of your favorite Japanese restaurants and give it a try. .  or try making this at home. We love all kinds of Asian noodles and buckwheat noodles are definitely a favorite. And now that I know this is so easy, I will definitely be making this more often and might have to actually invest in a bamboo mat tray!

Japanese Zaru Soba! See how you can make these delicious buckwheat noodles at home!

The school year is starting soon. I can’t believe it. So, now we’re all about quick and easy and keeping it real for week night dinners (or lunch). I was in Dallas and asked my dad to teach me how to make the Zaru Soba dipping sauce. . .  getting ready to write down a long list of ingredients. .   And he pulls out this bottle.

Seriously?

Japanese Zaru Soba! See how you can make these delicious buckwheat noodles at home!

Now let me reiterate that this is NOT what Japanese people use in restaurants when you order Zaru Soba. But this is what they sell now at Asian Markets for people- just like you and me- who want to enjoy Zaru Soba at home.

Isn’t this brilliant?

Japanese Zaru Soba! See how you can make these delicious buckwheat noodles at home!

So, literally all you have to do is boil the noodles and prep your toppings and you are done!  You don’t have to do anything to the sauce. It’s made and ready to go. Again, with the noodles, I am recommending a frozen brand because according to my parents, “It just tastes better.”

Japanese Zaru Soba! See how you can make these delicious buckwheat noodles at home!

And for the toppings we just used what we had in the house, so we topped our Zaru Soba with cucumbers, nori (seaweed) and pureed white radish. Adds a little kick mixed with some wasabi and tastes great.

Pureed Radish

So, if you were intimidated by Japanese food before- specifically Zaru Soba, I hope this inspires you to get out to your local Asian Market and explore! I hope you enjoy!

Print Recipe

Zaru Soba

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course: Meal
Cuisine: Japanese
Author: Hip Foodie Mom

Ingredients

  • 1 package Japanese buckwheat noodles
  • 1 bottle of Soba Tsuyu dipping sauce; you can add a little water if needed
  • Cucumbers; julienned
  • 1 medium to large Daikon radish; grated or slightly pureed
  • Nori; finely shredded
  • wasabi optional

Instructions

  • Cook your buckwheat noodles according to package instructions; usually boil them for only a few minutes. Drain and rinse. Set aside.
  • Cut the cucumbers and grate or puree the radish
  • To assemble and serve: (you can either serve the Zaru Soba with the sauce already poured in or in a separate bowl; serving separately is the more traditional way of eating this dish) Serve the noodles and top with the fresh cucumbers, radish and nori. Alternatively, you can simply add the pureed radish into the dipping sauce and mix slightly. Serve with wasabi and enjoy.

 

Japanese Zaru Soba! See how you can make these delicious buckwheat noodles at home!

Japanese Zaru Soba! See how you can make these delicious buckwheat noodles at home!

 

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Comments

  1. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says

    August 19, 2013 at 4:53 am

    I’m madly in love with soba noodles ever since I tried them last year. The fact that they’re gf is such a plus. I was ready for a long recipe too! Stay strong my friend!

    Reply
  2. Nancy @ gottagetbaked says

    August 19, 2013 at 11:14 am

    I look forward to all of your updates on your mom, always hoping that the news will just get better and better. I’ve been thinking about you and your family a lot, Alice, as I’m sure all of your friends and readers are. I hope all our good thoughts and prayers are making a positive difference! A quick, delicious and healthy meal like this must be exactly what you need at this moment, given all the stress you’re facing. I love that your dad was like, here’s the bottle, fuggedabout a long authentic recipe, lol. Big hugs, girl.

    Reply
  3. Lora @cakeduchess says

    August 22, 2013 at 6:50 pm

    Fabulous…just fabulous. Love hearing about your dad and his restaurant. My parents used to have one too:)I could eat these very day. I can’t wait to make it…my kids will think I’m the best! xx

    Reply
    • hipfoodiemom says

      August 23, 2013 at 4:39 am

      Haha, thank you Lora! I love that it’s so quick and easy with the instant dipping sauce!! great for quick dinners for the school week!

      Reply
  4. Nik@ABrownTable says

    August 28, 2013 at 10:40 am

    Soba is one of my favorite noodles, this looks like a great way to eat them. You are so lucky to have the family restaurant connection and experience, I bet it is always great to talk to your dad about food and recipes!

    Reply
  5. Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says

    August 29, 2013 at 7:13 am

    Next time I’m in the market I’m totally going to find Soba Tsuyu! Thanks!

    Reply
  6. chiaros says

    August 8, 2016 at 10:23 pm

    Sigh. Why call it “Zaru Soba” when you are NOT serving it with the ZARU but instead are plonking it into a bowl? Simply call it “Cold Soba with Dipping Sauce”!!

    Reply
    • hipfoodiemom says

      August 8, 2016 at 10:28 pm

      Good point!! You must be Japanese. . thank you for the comment.

      Reply

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Meet Alice

Alice Choi from Hip Foodie MomHello! My name is Alice. Here, at Hip Foodie Mom, you will find fresh food recipes using local, seasonal ingredients. From meat dishes to vegetarian to Asian inspired dishes, you are sure to find something you like. Thank you for stopping by!

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