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Thai-Inspired Noodle Salad

This cold noodle salad with Asian flavors is a zesty treat that goes great with barbecue chicken and a beer. If you're feeling adventurous, mix in 1/2 cup of shredded dried seaweed (nori) just before serving.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine asian, south east asian
Servings 8 people
Calories 1911.9 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot For cooking noodles
  • 1 Colander For draining and rinsing noodles
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For preparing and combining salad ingredients
  • 1 Grater For finely grating carrots
  • 1 Whisk For mixing the dressing

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 15 ounces dried soba noodles
  • ⅓ cup rice vinegar
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • 1 lime zested and juiced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dark sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes or to taste (Optional)
  • 1 cup finely grated carrot
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup coarsely chopped salted peanuts

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook soba noodles in boiling water until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain noodles in a colander, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
  • Pour rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil into a large bowl. Mix in brown sugar, lime zest, garlic, and red pepper flakes; stir until sugar dissolves. Toss in carrot, cilantro, and peanuts until well combined.
  • Cut noodles into 3-inch lengths. Stir into carrot mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Toss salad again before serving. If dry, splash with soy sauce and rice vinegar. Serve cold.

Notes

Ensure soba noodles are cooked al dente and thoroughly rinsed with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. This also helps achieve the desired cold salad texture. For optimal flavor integration, allow the salad to chill for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight; the longer it chills, the better the flavors meld. Taste the dressing before combining with noodles and adjust sweetness, acidity, or spice as needed. To enhance the dish, consider adding grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or marinated tofu for a complete meal. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a chiffonade of fresh mint can elevate the aroma and presentation. Don't skip cutting the noodles; it makes for easier eating and portioning.