Cold soba noodles are a delicious and refreshing summertime staple. They’re delicious, affordable, and easy to make.
But if you’re looking for something to serve alongside them, it can be hard to know where to start.
But don’t worry, I am here for you with some mouthwatering side dishes that taste perfectly with cold soba noodles.
So, hurry up! To make your cold soba noodles the star of the show.
A Quick solution for what to serve with cold soba noodles- Sushi Rice Balls, Miso Miso Soup, Ginger Soy Sauce, Vegetable Tempura, Edamame, Pickled Vegetables, Wakame Sunomono, Agedashi Tofu, Gomaae, Hiyayakko, Nasu Dengaku, Natto, Yakitori, Karaage, Onigiri, Tempura, Miso Soup, Sashimi Salad, Tsukemono, Gyoza, Salted Edamame, Umeboshi, Nori, Furikake, Gomashio, Katsuobushi, Daikon Salad, Seaweed Salad, Teriyaki Sauce.
What type of food is cold soba noodles, and what do clod soba noodles taste like?
Cold soba noodles are a type of Japanese noodle dish made from buckwheat flour. They provide a nutty flavor and chewy texture and can be served either cold or hot.
Cold soba noodles are usually eaten with dipping sauces such as soy sauce, mirin, and wasabi.
The topping options for cold soba noodles vary widely but typically include thinly sliced nori seaweed, grated daikon radish, green onions, and shredded egg omelet.
Cold soba noodles have a refreshing yet savory taste that makes them an enjoyable meal or snack on warmer days. They are also a great origin of protein, vitamins and minerals.
Best Things to eat with cold soba noodles
Cold soba noodles are a classic Japanese dish that can be served as a meal itself or as a side to many different dishes.
Here are 31 of the best side dishes to pair with cold soba noodles for an extra special and flavorful meal.
1. Sushi Rice Balls
Sushi rice balls are a great side dish that brings a little bit of the ocean to your plate. To make them, cook sushi rice according to package instructions, then shape the rice into small balls using wet hands.
Place the rice balls on a plate and top each one with a bit of salmon or tuna and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve this dish alongside cold soba noodles for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Miso Miso Soup
Miso soup is packed full of umami flavor that pairs perfectly with cold soba noodles.
To make it, warm miso paste in boiling water until it dissolves completely, then add cubed tofu, seaweed, green onions, and mushrooms for texture and flavor.
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it alongside your cold soba noodles for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Ginger Soy Sauce
Ginger soy sauce adds just the right amount of kick to your meal without overpowering the other flavors on your plate.
To make it, whisk together equal parts soy sauce and honey along with freshly grated ginger until combined.
Lastly, drizzle this over your cold soba noodles or use it as a dipping sauce for added sweetness and spice.
4. Vegetable Tempura
Vegetable tempura is a light and crunchy treat that goes wonderfully with cold soba noodles.
Take your favorite vegetables (think carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, bell peppers, etc.) and coat them in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt.
Fry them up in a little vegetable oil until they’re golden brown and crispy. Serve with soy sauce or a dipping sauce of your choice for an added flavor kick!
5. Edamame
Edamame is another great side dish option for your cold soba noodles. Edamame is simply immature soybeans that have been harvested before they can ripen on the vine.
Boil edamame in salted water until tender (about 5 minutes), then drain and season with salt or sesame oil for extra flavor.
6. Pickled Vegetables
Pickled vegetables are always a great accompaniment for cold soba noodles, as they bring an additional layer of flavor to the dish.
The possibilities here are endless—from cucumbers to radishes to carrots—but all you need to do is cut up your chosen veggie into thin slices and submerge them in vinegar or brine until pickled!
You can even add sugar or herbs if you want a more complex flavor profile.
7. Wakame Sunomono
This seaweed salad is made from wakame seaweed, cucumber, vinegar, and sugar, giving it a light and refreshing flavor.
The tangy taste complements the nutty flavor of soba noodles perfectly.
8. Agedashi Tofu
One of my favorite Fried tofu cubes can be served in dashi broth, making for a delicious accompaniment to cold soba noodles.
The crisp texture of the lightly fried tofu contrasts nicely with the chewy texture of your noodles.
9. Gomaae
A simple but delicious mix of steamed spinach and sesame sauce, gomaae makes an ideal match with soba noodles due to its contrasting flavors and textures.
10. Hiyayakko
Cooling down your hot summer days has never been easier thanks to hiyayakko: chilled silken tofu with garnishes such as grated ginger, bonito flakes and scallions on top make this light yet flavorful item perfect alongside cold soba noodles.
11. Nasu Dengaku
This is a classic combination for you. Eggplant brushed with sweet miso paste before being grilled makes for an excellent companion to cold soba noodles; the savory glaze balances out the nutty taste of the noodles perfectly.
12. Natto
While some may find natto (fermented soybeans) off-putting on the first try, this pungent dish is actually very good when paired with cold soba noodles due to its unique taste and texture contrast combination which makes them both stand out in unison.
13. Yakitori
Perfectly grilled tender chicken skewers lightly brushed with teriyaki sauce make a great pairing for cold soba noodles.
They add protein, while their sweet-salty flavor provides a nice contrast to the nuttiness of your dish without overwhelming it like some heavier proteins might do.
14. Karaage
Japanese fried chicken is another savory yet light alternative you can serve as an accompaniment for cold soba noodle dishes; its crunchy texture contrasts nicely with both rice and noodle dishes alike.
15. Onigiri
Rice balls filled with various ingredients, such as salmon or pickled plum, make up a tasty snack or meal when packed together with soba noodles.
They add heft while still providing enough subtlety in flavor that neither overwhelms one other.
16. Tempura
Shrimp tempura is perhaps one of Japan’s most popular deep-fried dishes; its crunchy exterior combined with its succulent interior makes it great alongside any type of noodle dish, including cold soba ones.
17. Miso Soup
You must try Miso soup which is probably one of Japan’s oldest traditional foods still enjoyed today.
Its savory flavor combined with umami-packed ingredients such as seaweed and tofu gives it incredible depth, which pairs nicely when served alongside plainer noodle dishes like cold soba ones.
18. Sashimi Salad
If you looking for something healthier than fried foods but still crave something fishy to go alongside their noodle dish.
Then sashimi salad may be just what you need; raw sliced fish mixed in greens and tossed in soy dressing provides plenty of nutritional benefits but also packs enough punch flavor-wise, which stands up nicely against plainer fare like cold soba.
19. Tsukemono
Pickles help balance out bolder flavors by adding just enough sourness without overpowering them.
Tsukemono (Japanese fermented pickles) have varying levels of spiciness depending on what was used during fermentation making them perfect sides for plainer food items such as sushi or even plainer items like cold buckwheat Soba.
20. Gyoza
Dumplings filled with juicy pork or vegetable fillings provide just enough variety when accompanying dishes such as sushi or even plainer fare like cold Soba.
Their delicate wrapper allows all the various flavors contained inside while providing just enough variety not to overwhelm your palate after eating too many same-tasting food items like sushi or ramen, respectively.
21. Salted Edamame
Edamame beans boiled in salt water are also often found accompanying other Japanese cuisines, particularly sushi.
Their salty taste adds just enough extra kick you may need after eating too many bland food items, especially if eaten alone, thus making them ideal sides when having otherwise simple meals such as buckwheat Soba.
22. Umeboshi
Umeboshi (Japanese pickled plums) have a tart and salty flavor that taste perfectly with cold soba noodles, adding an acidic element to the dish, which helps round out all the other flavors in the dish.
The slight sweetness of the umeboshi also helps balance out any overly savory or salty ingredients used in the dish.
23. Nori
Paper-thin sheets of dried seaweed known as nori provide a pleasant crunchy texture along with its umami-rich flavor when eaten alongside cold soba noodles.
It adds just enough saltiness without being overpowering and can be easily cut into strips for added convenience.
24. Furikake
A blend of dried fish, sesame seeds, seaweed and other seasonings mixed together to make a flavorful condiment known as furikake.
It provides an extra depth of flavor to plainer foods such as soba noodle dishes while bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients in the dish.
You can also sprinkle Furikake over top cold soba noodles for added texture.
25. Gomashio
Another condiment made from ground sesame seeds and sea salt, gomashio is usually served alongside sushi, but its nutty flavor also pairs well with cold soba noodles.
Like furikake, it provides your dish a pleasant crunchy texture along with its unique flavor, which helps balance out any overly salty or savory ingredients used in the dish.
26. Katsuobushi
Also known as bonito flakes, katsuobushi is dried and flaked fermented fish which has a strong smoky flavor.
Its intense smell and taste add a unique element to cold soba dishes while also providing just enough saltiness to help balance out any overly bland or sweet flavors in the dish.
It can also be sprinkled over the top of noodles or salads for added texture.
27. Daikon Salad
Daikon radish is often pickled and served alongside many Japanese dishes, including cold soba noodle dishes.
Its mild spiciness and crunchy texture give it enough punch to stand up against the other more delicate flavors found in your soba dishes while also helping to balance out any overly salty or savory flavor in the dish.
28. Seaweed Salad
A Japanese salad made from seaweed and other vegetables, such as cucumbers and carrots.
Its salty taste helps bring out all the flavors found in cold soba noodles while providing a crunchy texture that adds just enough variety not to overwhelm your palate after eating too many same-tasting food items like sushi or ramen, respectively.
29. Teriyaki Sauce
Japanese teriyaki sauce, made from soy sauce, sugar and mirin (sweet rice wine), provides a sweet and savory flavor to cold soba noodle dishes that might otherwise be lacking in richness.
The slightly sticky texture helps the noodles cling together more easily, while its overly salty taste adds just enough variety not to overwhelm your palate after eating too many same-tasting food items like sushi or ramen respectively.
30. Meat goes well with soba noodles
Soba noodles taste wonderfully with flavorful meats. The traditional preparation of soba noodles includes boiling buckwheat flour in water and then cutting the dough into thin strands.
When cooking with meat, the most popular option is to make a savory broth by simmering chicken or beef stock with onions, garlic, ginger, and tamari sauce before adding the soba noodles.
The meat can then be added in small pieces and cooked until tender.
The final product is a hearty yet light meal that is brimming with umami flavor from the combination of meat and noodles.
Whether you choose to make this dish as part of an elaborate multi-course dinner or just for yourself for a comforting lunch or dinner, it’s sure to be a hit!
31. Cold soba noodles dipping sauce
Cold soba noodles dipping sauce is an essential part of the Japanese culinary experience. This simple condiment is made up of a combination of soy sauce, mirin (a sweet rice wine), and dashi (Japanese fish broth).
It’s typically enjoyed with chilled soba noodles and provides a mellow yet flavorful depth to the noodles.
Many people also enjoy adding a sprinkle of wasabi or scallions to their dipping sauce for added kick and color.
The subtle sweetness from the mirin combined with the umami-rich flavors from the soy sauce and dashi makes for an unforgettable pairing.
What are the best flavors to go with cold soba noodles?
When it comes to cold soba noodles, there is no wrong answer! Let your imagination run wild when choosing flavors.
Many people like to top their soba with soy sauce and a bit of freshly grated ginger, while others enjoy adding sesame oil or chili paste for additional spiciness.
For something more unique and flavorful, you can try topping your soba with bonito flakes, which will add an umami flavor to the dish.
Seaweed flakes are also delicious on top of cold soba and provide a nice crunchy texture. Other popular toppings include wasabi and scallions for added flavor and texture.
How do you jazz up cold soba noodles?
There are a number of ways to jazz up cold soba noodles. One way is to use flavorful sauces such as tahini, soy sauce, or chili oil to give the noodles an extra kick.
You can also add some crunch by adding roasted nuts, sesame seeds, or seaweed flakes for texture and flavor.
Vegetables like cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes can also be added to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
Lastly, you can top it off with a sprinkle of furikake or bonito flakes for a savory finishing touch.
With these simple ingredients and techniques, you can easily turn plain cold soba noodles into a delicious meal!
How do you display cold soba noodles on a platter?
To display cold soba noodles on a platter, start by arranging the noodles in an artistic pattern.
Place the longest strands of noodles around the perimeter of the platter and alternate with shorter pieces to create a visually appealing design.
Arrange small clusters of fresh herbs or shredded seaweed on top for added color and texture.
Finally, garnish with sesame seeds or thinly sliced scallions for extra flavor and presentation. Serve chilled alongside dipping sauces and condiments for a delicious meal!
FAQs on what to serve with cold soba noodles
Q1. How much cold soba noodles per person?
The amount of cold soba noodles per person depends on your preferences and the size of the portion you would like to serve. Generally, a single serving of cold soba noodles consists of 2-3 ounces (approximately 60-90 grams) of dry soba noodles.
If you are serving multiple people, it is best to increase the portion accordingly to ensure everyone gets enough noodles. It is also important to remember that cooked soba noodles will expand significantly once they are boiled, so you may want to increase the portion size accordingly if cooking for more than one person.
For a light meal, aim for around 120-150 grams (4-5 ounces) per person; for a heartier meal, plan for at least 200 grams (7 ounces) of cooked soba noodles per person. Enjoy!
Q2. What protein to eat with cold soba noodles?
Cold soba noodles make a great meal on their own, but adding some protein to the dish can help boost its nutritional value and add flavor. The best proteins to pair with cold soba noodles are grilled fish such as salmon or tuna, shrimp, tofu, tempura vegetables or eggs.
If you’re looking for vegetarian options, roasted edamame beans or mushrooms are also delicious additions. To jazz up the dish even more, try marinating your chosen protein in soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger before serving it alongside the chilled soba noodles. Enjoy!
Q3. What vegetables go with soba?
There are a variety of vegetables that go well with soba noodles. Some popular options include shiitake mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, or bok choy. You can also add edamame, snow peas, bell peppers, spinach, or cabbage to your soba dish.
For added flavor and crunch, try adding some pickled ginger or sesame seeds. To make the meal even more complete, you can add tofu or tempeh for protein. Whatever vegetables you choose to use with your soba noodles will bring out the unique flavor of the dish and make it even more enjoyable!
Q4. What goes well with Japanese soba (Zaru soba)?
The perfect accompaniment to Zaru soba is tsuyu, a flavorful dipping sauce made with dashi, mirin, and soy sauce. To make it even more delicious, you can add grated ginger, chopped scallion, radish sprouts, or shichimi (Japanese seven-spice).
For an extra touch of flavor and texture, add some nori (dried seaweed) strips. You can also top your soba noodles with tempura pieces or slices of kamaboko (fish cake).
Another great option is to enjoy your soba with a side dish such as gomadofu (sesame tofu), age dashi tofu (deep-fried tofu), tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet), or kakiage (vegetable tempura).
