This comforting soba noodle soup is warm and full of good flavors! Made with buckwheat noodles, fresh veggies, and a tasty broth, it’s both healthy and satisfying.
It’s perfect for chilly days! I love adding a soft-boiled egg on top for extra yumminess. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, so you can enjoy it anytime! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles bring a unique flavor and texture to the soup. If you can’t find them, you can use whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles as a gluten-free option.
Broth: For a rich taste, dashi is the way to go, but vegetable broth works well too. You can also use chicken broth for a non-vegetarian twist. If you’re low on broth, try using water with extra soy sauce.
Shiitake Mushrooms: They add depth to the soup, but if they’re not available, feel free to use button mushrooms or even cremini mushrooms. They’ll give you that earthy flavor you’re looking for!
Mirin: This sweet rice wine balances the saltiness. If you don’t have any, you can mix a bit of sugar with rice vinegar as an alternative, though it won’t be as sweet.
How Do You Get The Perfect Broth For Soba Noodle Soup?
The broth is the soul of this soup! Start by heating sesame oil to bring out its nutty flavor. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add your mushrooms. This step builds layers of flavor.
- Use medium heat to prevent burning the garlic.
- Add broth after the mushrooms soften, along with soy sauce and mirin.
- Let it simmer gently to blend all the flavors, but don’t let it boil too hard!
Give it a quick taste and adjust with salt if needed. This balance is key for a comforting soup. Enjoy making it your own!
How to Make Soba Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 oz soba noodles (buckwheat noodles)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or dashi broth for more authentic flavor)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 soft-boiled egg (optional)
- 2 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into squares
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wholesome soba noodle soup will take you about 15 minutes in the kitchen. You’ll spend about 5 minutes cooking the noodles and another 10 minutes on the broth and veggies. After that, you can enjoy a delicious, hot bowl of soup in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the soba noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 4-5 minutes). When they are done, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for later!
2. Make the Broth:
In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, then sauté for 1-2 minutes until they’re fragrant—watch them closely, so they don’t burn!
3. Add the Mushrooms:
Now, toss in the sliced shiitake mushrooms. Stir and cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they become slightly softened and tasty.
4. Bring in the Broth:
Pour in the vegetable or dashi broth, soy sauce, and mirin. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer gently, so all the flavors start to blend beautifully.
5. Add the Spinach:
Throw in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for about 1 minute, just until they wilt. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
6. Assemble the Soup:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Place the cooked soba noodles into serving bowls. Then, ladle the hot broth filled with mushrooms and spinach over the noodles. Let them soak in that deliciousness!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Top your soup with sliced green onions, nori squares, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. If you’re feeling fancy, add a soft-boiled egg cut in half to each bowl.
8. Enjoy Your Soba Noodle Soup!
Serve hot with chopsticks and a soup spoon, and enjoy every comforting bite of your homemade soba noodle soup! You did great!
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While soba noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with whole wheat spaghetti, rice noodles, or even udon if you prefer a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary for each type.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
The recipe is already vegetarian if you use vegetable broth. For a vegan version, just skip the optional soft-boiled egg. You can also enhance flavors with more vegetables or tofu as a protein option!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, keep the noodles and broth separate. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the broth and serve it over the noodles for best texture!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to customize by adding other veggies like bok choy, carrots, or bell peppers. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them in with the mushrooms for a colorful and nutritious boost!
