Soba Noodle Soup is a warm and comforting dish packed with delicious buckwheat noodles. It’s easy to whip up and full of flavor from the broth and fresh veggies.
Nothing beats a bowl of this soup on a chilly day! I love adding a soft-boiled egg on top for extra yumminess. Trust me, it’s hard to resist slurping these noodles! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles are the star of the dish. If you can’t find soba, you can use whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Dashi Broth: Authentic dashi adds a unique umami flavor, but you can use vegetable or chicken broth if you’re in a pinch. Homemade broth always tastes better, but store-bought works well too!
Mirin: This sweet rice wine enhances the flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can mix rice vinegar with a bit of sugar as a substitute.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Shiitakes have a rich flavor, but feel free to swap in button or cremini mushrooms if that’s what you have on hand.
Leafy Greens: Bok choy and spinach are great options, but feel free to use kale or even snap peas for a crunchy twist!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Soft-Boiled Egg?
A soft-boiled egg adds creaminess to your soup, making it extra satisfying. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil.
- Carefully add room temperature eggs and boil for 6-7 minutes.
- Transfer the eggs straight to an ice bath for a few minutes to stop the cooking.
- Once cooled, gently tap the shells and peel. Rinse under cold water to remove any bits.
This method yields a perfectly runny yolk that enhances your Soba Noodle Soup nicely!
How to Make Soba Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 oz dried soba noodles
- 4 cups dashi broth (or substitute with vegetable or chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tbsp sake (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 soft-boiled egg, halved
- 1 cup blanched or sautéed leafy greens (such as bok choy or spinach)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Toasted nori sheets or seaweed (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Soba Noodle Soup can be made in about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s quick and perfect for a comforting meal any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Soba Noodles:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add in the dried soba noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. When they’re tender, carefully drain them and rinse under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and removes any excess starch. Set the noodles aside.
2. Make the Broth:
In a separate pot, combine the dashi broth, soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), and sugar. Place it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed—add a little more soy sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness!
3. Add the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the simmering broth. Let them cook gently for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender and flavorful.
4. Assemble the Soup:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take the cooked soba noodles and divide them into serving bowls. Pour the hot broth and mushrooms over the noodles, making sure to get a bit of everything in each bowl.
5. Top with Tasty Ingredients:
On top of the noodles, arrange the blanched leafy greens and the halved soft-boiled egg. This adds beautiful color and extra flavor!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off the soup by sprinkling sliced green onions and, if you like, some torn pieces of toasted nori and toasted sesame seeds on top for that extra crunch. Serve immediately with chopsticks and a soup spoon, and enjoy every delicious slurp!
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Soba Noodle Soup!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Soba Noodles?
Yes! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, make sure to choose 100% buckwheat soba noodles, as many brands contain wheat. You can also substitute with rice noodles if you prefer.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, store the noodles and broth separately to keep the noodles from getting soggy. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of dashi or chicken broth, and skip the sake if you want to avoid alcohol. You can also add tofu for extra protein.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize your Soba Noodle Soup with any veggies you like! Great options include carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas. Just sauté or blanch them before adding to the soup for a fresh taste.
