Dinner

Japanese Soba Noodles with Sesame Dressing Recipe

Name: Japanese Soba Noodles with Sesame Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 200g soba noodles; 100g sugar snap peas, halved lengthways; 1 red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced; ½ cucumber, sliced or peeled into ribbons; 2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted; 2 tbsp tahini paste; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp water (for thinning the tahini)

ByJake Silas November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

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Introduction

This Japanese noodle dish with a creamy sesame dressing is light, refreshing, and packed with vibrant vegetables. It’s a perfect quick meal that balances savory and tangy flavors for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

A white bowl holds a dish with three main layers. At the bottom, there is a bed of light brown noodles with a smooth and slightly twisted texture. On top of the noodles, there are thin red strips of bell pepper placed on one side, bright green snap pea pods stacked in the center, and curled pale green cucumber slices on the other side, showing a fresh and crisp texture. The ingredients are arranged neatly, creating a colorful and balanced look against the white bowl set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

200g soba noodles
100g sugar snap peas, halved lengthways
1 red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
½ cucumber, sliced or peeled into ribbons
2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
2 tbsp tahini paste
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dressing by mixing the tahini with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Set the dressing aside.
Step 2: Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the noodles.
Step 3: Divide the cooled noodles between two bowls. Arrange the sugar snap peas, red pepper slices, and cucumber ribbons on top.
Step 4: Just before serving, drizzle the sesame dressing over the noodles and vegetables. Sprinkle each bowl with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.

Tips & Variations

For extra protein, add grilled chicken, tofu, or boiled eggs to the noodles.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili oil or some sliced fresh chili to the dressing.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Swap tahini with peanut butter for a different but equally delicious nutty flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover noodles and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the noodles gently or enjoy cold. If mixing leftover noodles with dressing, add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a layered dish starting with a base of light brown noodles with a soft, slightly curly texture. On top of the noodles, there are thin, long green sugar snap peas arranged in the center, flanked by bright red sliced bell peppers to the right, and pale green cucumber ribbons slightly folded on the left. The noodles appear sprinkled with light yellow sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with dark red chopsticks placed to the left side and a small white bowl containing beige sauce behind and to the right of the main bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute soba noodles with udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti if needed, but cooking times may vary.

How do I toast sesame seeds at home?

Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.