These sesame soba noodles are tossed in a flavorful sesame dressing and finished with scallions and sesame seeds. A quick, gluten-free recipe that’s easy to customize.
Sesame Soba Noodles 🍜 (Gluten-Free, Easy Sesame Noodles Recipe)
These sesame soba noodles are a quick and easy lunch or dinner you’ll want to make on repeat. Tossed in a savory sesame dressing and finished with scallions and sesame seeds, this easy soba noodle recipe is both simple and versatile. Keep them simple for a quick side, or turn them into a more complete meal with your favorite vegetables and protein.
This is a base recipe at its core: soba noodles are coated in a simple sesame dressing, finished with scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. From there, you can keep things minimal or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own. Think cucumber, carrots, broccolini, asparagus, or sweet snap peas. It’s a flexible recipe and exactly the kind of cooking that fits into your everyday life.
What Are Soba Noodles? (Gluten-Free Soba Noodles Explained) 🌾
Soba noodles are Japanese noodles traditionally made from buckwheat flour. Buckwheat is not actually wheat (it’s a seed) so noodles made with100% buckwheat flour are naturally gluten-free. They have a slightly nutty flavor and a delicate texture.
When making a gluten-free soba noodles recipe, it’s important to choose 100% buckwheat soba noodles or noodles made with a blend of rice flour and buckwheat. Many brands mix buckwheat with wheat flour, so be sure to check the label carefully to keep this dish gluten-free.
Why You’ll Love This Sesame Soba Noodles Recipe ❤️
- Quick and easy—ready in under 20 minutes
- Gluten-free (with 100% buckwheat noodles or gluten-free noodles)
- Works as a main or side dish
- Easy to customize with different vegetables or proteins
Ingredients for Sesame Soba Noodles 🧾
- Soba Noodles - Use 100% buckwheat soba noodles for a gluten-free version. These can be delicate, so handle gently when draining and rinsing.
- Toasted Sesame Oil - Adds a rich, nutty flavor.
- Coconut Aminos (substitute tamari or gluten-free soy sauce) - Provides saltiness and umami.
- Rice Vinegar - Balances the dressing with a bit of acidity.
- Honey (or maple syrup) - Adds sweetness to round out the flavor.
- Fresh Ginger + Garlic - Freshly grated ginger and garlic add warmth and spice.
- Scallions - Bring a mild onion flavor that complements the noodles.
- Sesame Seeds - Add texture, color and enhances the overall sesame flavor.
Best Vegetable Additions for Sesame Noodles 🥦
While these sesame soba noodles are delicious on their own, adding vegetables is an easy way to turn them into a more complete and satisfying meal.
A few options include:
- Broccolini – lightly blanched
- Asparagus – blanched for a fresh, spring flavor
- Snap Peas – raw or quickly cooked to keep their sweetness and crunch
- Carrots – shredded for extra crunch
- Cucumber – thinly sliced for a cooling crunch
You can use one vegetable or a combination depending on what you have on hand.
How to Make Sesame Soba Noodles (Step-by-Step) 👩🍳
Step 1: Cook the Soba Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. (Be careful not to overcook.) Drain and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Sesame Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger and garlic.
Step 3: Prepare Vegetables (Optional) 🥦🌿
- Broccolini, Asparagus, Snap Peas: These vegetables should be blanched. Add them to the pot with your soba noodles during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. Drain everything together, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and maintain color and texture.
- Carrots, Cucumber: Keep these raw and add to the noodles with the dressing
Tip: You can mix and match vegetables, then toss them all with the noodles and sesame dressing.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Combine the soba noodles with the sesame dressing. Toss until evenly coated. Add scallions and any vegetables, then toss again.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Top with sesame seeds and additional scallions if desired. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Sesame Noodles Variations 🌶️
One of the best things about these sesame noodles is how easy they are to adapt:
- Spicy Sesame Noodles
Add chili flakes or chili oil for heat. - Protein Additions
Top with tofu or a soft-boiled egg to make it more filling. - Peanut-Sesame Noodles
Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter (or the nut-butter or your choice) for a creamier sauce. - Extra Veggie Version
Load up with a mix of veggies like: broccolini, snap peas, and asparagus.
How to Serve Sesame Soba Noodles 🍽️
These sesame soba noodles are flexible:
- Serve them as quick main or side for dinner
- Chill and enjoy them as a cold noodle salad for lunch
- Pair with proteins or tofu
- Pack them for lunches or meal prep
Sesame Soba Noodles FAQ ❓
Are soba noodles gluten-free?
Only if they are made from 100% buckwheat or a blend of buckwheat and rice flour. Many soba noodles contain wheat, so always check the label.
Why do you rinse soba noodles?
Rinsing removes excess starch, which helps prevent clumping.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These sesame noodles are great for meal prep. Store them in the refrigerator and add a little extra dressing before serving if needed.
Can I use regular noodles instead?
Yes, but it will no longer be a gluten-free soba noodles recipe. Rice noodles or gluten-free pasta are good alternatives to soba noodles.
How long do leftovers last?
Up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts ✨
These sesame soba noodles are the kind of recipe that will quickly become a weekly staple. Simple and adaptable, they’re just as great for a quick weeknight dinner as they are for a make-ahead lunch.
Whether you keep them simple or load them up with vegetables, this easy soba noodles recipe is one you'll return to again and again.
More Sesame Recipes
Sesame Soba Noodles
Quick, easy, and satisfying! These sesame soba noodles are perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Toss with a nutty sesame dressing, scallions, and sesame seeds, then add your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Sesame Noodles:
- 8 ounces/225g 100% buckwheat soba noodles
- 3 Tablespoons/45ml toasted sesame oil
- 3 Tablespoons/45ml coconut aminos (sub tamari or gluten-free soy sauce)
- 2 Tablespoons/30ml rice vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon/21g honey or maple syrup (for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 clove of garlic, finely grated
- 3-4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 Tablespoons/30g white and black sesame seeds
- Toasted nori sheets cut into strips (optional for topping)
Optional Vegetables:
- 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into pieces
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
Instructions
Cook the noodles:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.
Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and grated ginger (if using).
Prepare vegetables (optional) 🥦
- Broccolini, Asparagus, Snap Peas: Blanch with the noodles for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse under cold water to maintain vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
- Carrots and Cucumber: Shred or slice.
- Mix and match vegetables as desired.
Assemble the noodles:
In a large bowl, toss the noodles with the sesame dressing until evenly coated. Add scallions and prepared vegetables, then toss again.
Serve:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds, nori strips and additional scallions if desired. Serve immediately or chilled.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Spicy Sesame Noodles: Add chili flakes or chili oil.
- Protein Additions: Tofu or a soft-boiled egg.
- Extra Veggies: Combine broccolini, snap peas, and asparagus
Notes
- Be sure to use 100% buckwheat soba noodles or gluten-free soba noodles to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Rinsing the noodles helps prevent sticking and improves texture.
- If serving later, refresh with a splash of sesame oil or dressing before eating.
Dietary Info:
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan Option (use maple syrup), Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 489Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gUnsaturated Fat: 16gSodium: 261mgCarbohydrates: 71gFiber: 7gSugar: 11gProtein: 18g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
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