Soba Noodle Soup is a warm and comforting dish made with delicious buckwheat noodles and a tasty broth. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a little pick-me-up!
This soup is not just tasty but also easy to make. I love adding veggies for extra crunch! It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl—who wouldn’t want that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Soba Noodles: Traditional soba noodles are made from buckwheat, giving them a unique flavor and texture. If you can’t find them, try whole wheat spaghetti as a substitute, but the taste will vary.
Dashi Stock: This light broth is essential for authentic flavor. If you don’t have dashi, vegetable or chicken broth works well too. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
Shrimp: I prefer using peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience. You can swap in tofu or mushrooms if you want a vegetarian version. The texture will differ but still be delicious!
Wakame Seaweed: This adds a lovely umami touch. If you can’t find it, try using spinach or bok choy for a different green element. Both will provide nutrients and flavor.
How Do I Cook Soba Noodles Perfectly?
Cooking soba noodles might seem tricky, but it’s simple! The key is to avoid overcooking them.
- In a large pot of boiling water, add the soba noodles and stir gently to prevent them from sticking.
- Cook for about 4-6 minutes, but check the package instructions, as cooking times may vary.
- Once al dente, quickly drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps remove excess starch.
- Set them aside while you prepare your broth!
This way, you’ll have perfectly cooked soba noodles ready to soak in that delicious broth without becoming mushy!
How to Make Soba Noodle Soup with Shrimp and Seaweed
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 200g dried soba noodles
- 4 cups dashi stock (you can use vegetable or chicken broth as a substitute)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sugar
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup wakame seaweed (rehydrate if using dried)
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 sheet nori seaweed, torn into pieces
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: grated ginger for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soba noodle soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and cook. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Soba Noodles:
Start by cooking the soba noodles. Boil them in a large pot of water according to package instructions—usually around 4-6 minutes. You’ll want them al dente. Once done, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set them aside for later.
2. Preparing the Broth:
In a medium pot, mix together the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Turn on the heat to medium and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. This creates a flavorful base for your soup!
3. Cooking the Shrimp:
Now it’s time to add the shrimp! Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp into the simmering broth. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they look pink and opaque. Watch them closely, as they cook quickly!
4. Adding Seaweed:
Add the wakame seaweed to the pot and let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes. This will soften it and enhance the soup’s flavor.
5. Assembling the Bowls:
Take your cooked soba noodles and divide them into serving bowls. Then, ladle the hot broth with shrimp and seaweed over the noodles. The aroma will be amazing!
6. Garnishing Your Soup:
Finish by garnishing each bowl with sliced green onions, torn pieces of nori, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. If you like a little kick, add some grated ginger on top.
7. Serving Up:
Serve your delicious soba noodle soup immediately while it’s hot. Enjoy it with chopsticks and a soup spoon. It’s hearty, nutritious, and full of flavor—a perfect cozy dish!
This recipe yields a comforting bowl of soba noodle soup with tender shrimp and nutritious seaweed, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Soba Noodles?
Yes! Look for buckwheat soba noodles that are specifically labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat. They provide the same nutty flavor and will work perfectly in this recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Dashi Stock?
If you don’t have dashi stock, you can easily substitute it with vegetable or chicken broth. To mimic dashi’s umami flavor, consider adding a small splash of soy sauce or miso paste to the broth as well!
How Do I Store Leftover Soba Noodle Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the noodles from becoming mushy, it’s best to store the noodles and broth separately if possible. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Soup?
Absolutely! You can enhance the nutritional value by adding veggies like bok choy, spinach, or carrots. Just add them to the broth a couple of minutes before the shrimp to ensure they’re cooked but still crisp.
