Asian Fermented Superfoods Packed with Goodness & Flavour
Asian fermented foods are beloved for their scrumptious flavours and incredible goodness. Come discover the favourite staples!
Love noodles? Then you’re sure to enjoy the tender and velvety Japanese Soba – among the very few Asian noodles that packs a delectable nutty taste on its own. You’ll recognise it by the enticing brownish hue and thin long strands that can soak up any sauce and seasoning. Also a flavourful carb pairing with meats, seafood or veggies, and versatile for a variety of cooking methods.
Soba’s colour and flavour comes from the buckwheat flour it’s made from; with a measured blend of freshwater, and the traditional art of Japanese noodle-making. It’s also among the oldest noodles, enjoyed since the Edo era; beginning as a ritual food for Zen Buddhist monks, and became a popular street food, beloved household staple, as well as the signature noodle of modern-day Tokyo. While Ramen is more well-known globally, Soba has a special place in traditional Japanese cuisine; often enjoyed to mark the seasons, served warm during the cold periods, and slurped chilled in the summer.
Want a taste? Well, good news: you don’t have to fly to Japan. Authentic Soba is easily available at Australian supermarkets in dried, packed form. Just boil in water, and it’s good to go!
Here are 5 slurp-licious ways you can savour Soba at home:
Dip Soba in sauce
With its natural nutty flavour, Soba doesn’t really need a lot of work to enhance its taste. Even a gravy or sauce can make it scrumptious – like in the classic Japanese summer treat, Zaru Soba. Topped with spring onions and nori seaweed. Served chilled with a savoury sauce blend of sake, mirin, shoyu, kombu and dried bonito flakes. Want a thicker gravy? Get piquant and umami with this Japanese curry recipe instead.
Toss Soba noodles in a salad
Besides its nutty flavour, Soba adds a tender, bouncy and smooth texture dimension to your salads. Try it with a succulent Teppanyaki salmon fillet, paired with crunchy capsicum and cucumber. Go green, sweet-savoury and wholesome with this honey soy tempeh delight. Or, get colourful and comfy with this award-winning summer Soba salad special!
Stir-fry up some Soba
Like any Asian noodle, Soba is great for stir-fries too. The heat firms up the noodle and infuses it with your seasoning flavours. Also a quick and easy way to make a full meal dish with basic ingredients or even leftovers. Get started with an umami chicken and mushrooms wonder recipe. Savour a stir-fried Soba treat with minced pork, carrot and cabbage. And beef it up with a scrumptious bowl of Soba, beef strips and leafy greens.
Encase Soba in an omelette
Want an upgrade from regular stir-fries? Make it a wrap! Here’s the Omu Soba, an all-time Japanese family fave. Stir-fried Soba noodles with pork and crunchy veggies, wrapped in yummy omelette, and lathered with the bold, savoury Tonkatsu brown sauce. Pure satisfaction in every bite!
Soba soup to warm your soul
Asian noodle soups are year-round comfort treats. But there is a traditional Soba special that heralds springtime in Japan. It is slurped on New Year’s Eve, symbolically purging last year’s troubles in a soothing savoury noodle soup with fish cakes and wakame seaweed. But why wait for the year end? Have a sip of this authentic Soba soup delight with our recipe anytime you like! You can also try your Soba noodles in your own favourite soup. Also be sure to check out our Soba recipes collection!
