This dish needs no introduction. The peanut sesame sauce is a classic that everyone in the family will love. Soba noodles are Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour and wheat flour. If you are seeking out a gluten-free meal, choose 100% buckwheat soba noodles (and gluten-free tamari soy sauce). Despite the name, buckwheat is not related to wheat. It is a highly nutritious fruit seed. Beware though – 100% buckwheat noodles are nearly twice as expensive as the soba noodles made with both wheat and buckwheat flour.
Prep time: 20 – 25 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4 – 6 people
Ingredients:
Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup organic creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup shoyu or tamari*
- 1/3 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Noodles:
- 1 pound soba noodles
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
Directions:
- Combine all of the peanut sauce ingredients in a blender or Vitamix and blend until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook soba noodles until tender (8 – 10 minutes).
- Drain noodles in a colander, then rinse well under cold water.
- Add noodles, bell peppers, scallions and sesame seeds to the peanut sauce, tossing to combine.
- Serve immediately.
*Shoyu and tamari are Japanese soy sauces. Tamari is the gluten-free version.
Note: You can garnish this dish with a variety of things, including tofu, chopped cilantro, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced scallions.
Adapted from The Gourmet Cookbook.