Soba noodle soup is a warm, comforting bowl filled with tasty Japanese noodles and a flavorful broth. It usually comes with fresh veggies and can be topped with a soft-boiled egg or some tofu.
There’s something so cozy about slurping these noodles on a chilly day! 🥢 I love adding my favorite toppings to make it just right. Easy to make and super satisfying, it’s perfect for any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Soba Noodles: These are the star of the dish! They are made from buckwheat and have a nutty flavor. If you can’t find soba noodles, you can use whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles as a substitute.
Dashi Stock: Made from fish flakes and seaweed, dashi gives the soup a deep flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can prepare kombu dashi or use vegetable broth instead.
Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms add great umami, but feel free to use any mushrooms you love. Button, portobello, or oyster mushrooms can work just as well!
Sake: This ingredient boosts the broth’s flavor. If you want to omit it, feel free to substitute with additional mirin or a splash of white wine for a different taste.
How Do I Make Perfectly Soft-Boiled Eggs?
Soft-boiled eggs add a nice creaminess to the soup. It’s all about timing! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Start with cold eggs and bring a pot of water to a gentle boil.
- Carefully place the eggs in the boiling water and cook for 6-7 minutes.
- Transfer the eggs to an ice water bath immediately to stop cooking.
- Once cool, gently peel and slice in half. You’ll love the creamy yolk!
With these tips and tricks, your soba noodle soup will be delicious and satisfying. Enjoy! 🍜
How to Make Soba Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 200g dried soba noodles
- 4 cups dashi stock (you can use instant dashi granules or homemade)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake (optional)
- 4 shiitake mushrooms or other mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- 2 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into pieces
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes boiling the eggs, cooking the noodles, and simmering the broth, which makes it quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soft-Boiling the Eggs:
Start by bringing a pot of water to boil. Gently lower the eggs into the boiling water using a spoon. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes to get that perfect soft yolk. Once done, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. After a few minutes, peel and slice them in half.
2. Cooking the Soba Noodles:
In another pot, bring water to boil. Add the dried soba noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
3. Preparing the Broth:
In a pot, combine the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Heat over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will create a delicious base for your soup!
4. Adding the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the simmering broth and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
5. Assembling the Soup:
Divide the cooked soba noodles among serving bowls. Carefully ladle the hot broth and mushrooms over the noodles. This is where the magic happens!
6. Topping it Off:
Top each bowl with pieces of nori, half of a soft-boiled egg, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions for added flavor. If you like, you can also sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a nice crunch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to dig in! Serve your warm and flavorful soba noodle soup immediately and enjoy every slurp!
Enjoy your delicious Soba Noodle Soup! 🍜
Can I Use Gluten-Free Noodles?
Absolutely! If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free soba noodles made from 100% buckwheat. Alternatively, you can use rice noodles which will also work well in this recipe.
What Can I Use Instead of Dashi Stock?
If you don’t have dashi stock on hand, vegetable broth is a great alternative. For a richer flavor, you could also use mushroom broth or make a quick version using water with soy sauce and a dash of seaweed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soba noodle soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your soup by adding other vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or carrots. Just make sure to add them to the broth early enough so they cook through, but don’t get mushy!
