Sesame Ginger Noodle Bowl (Printable)

Cold sesame noodles with zesty ginger dressing, cabbage, edamame, and crisp cucumber — light, refreshing and ready in 30 minutes.

# Components:

→ Noodles

01 - 300 g (10 oz) soba noodles or thin wheat noodles

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups shredded red cabbage
03 - 1 cup shredded carrots
04 - 1 cup shelled edamame (cooked and cooled)
05 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
06 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
07 - 1 small cucumber, julienned
08 - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

→ Sesame Ginger Dressing

09 - 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
10 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
11 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon tahini or peanut butter
13 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 1 teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)

# Method:

01 - Cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together all the sesame ginger dressing ingredients until smooth and emulsified.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles, shredded cabbage, carrots, edamame, cucumber, and green onions.
04 - Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
05 - Divide the noodle bowl among four serving bowls.
06 - Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, cilantro leaves, and extra green onions if desired. Serve cold.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under half an hour, even if you’re distracted by good conversation or a podcast.
  • The combination of zingy ginger, nutty sesame, and vibrant veggies is so satisfying it almost feels like cheating the summer heat.
02 -
  • If you don’t cool the noodles thoroughly, they’ll steam and go gummy—queue the rookie mistake I made the first time.
  • Fresh ginger really wakes up the dressing; old ginger tastes woody and flat, trust me.
03 -
  • Always season the dressing boldly—the flavors mellow a bit after tossing with the noodles.
  • Peeling the ginger with a spoon avoids all the waste (plus, it’s oddly satisfying).
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