Authentic Japanese Chicken Soba Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 180g soba noodles
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the garlic and onion. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
  5. In a separate pot, cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Drain well.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Set aside.
  7. Add the cooked soba noodles and chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables.
  8. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the top and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until everything is heated through.
  9. Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for garnish.
  10. Serve the chicken soba hot and enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife - A versatile knife for cutting and slicing ingredients, including chicken and vegetables.
  • Skillet - A large, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
  • Pot - Used for boiling and cooking the soba noodles.
  • Whisk - Used to mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar for the sauce.
  • Tongs - Helps to flip and handle the chicken while cooking.
  • Spatula - Used for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Small bowl - Used for whisking together the sauce ingredients.
  • Strainer - Needed to drain the cooked soba noodles.
  • Garnish shaker - Optional, can be used for sprinkling sesame seeds on top of the dish.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
  • Include other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms
  • Replace soba noodles with udon noodles or rice noodles
  • Add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness
  • Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or peanut sauce
  • Garnish with cilantro or basil for added freshness
  • Add cooked shrimp or sliced beef for a seafood or meat variation
  • Include chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch
  • Try using different types of bell peppers like yellow or orange for a colorful twist

Recipe overview

Get ready for a flavorful and satisfying meal with this Chicken Soba recipe. This dish, popular in Japanese cuisine, uses soba noodles, a type of thin buckwheat noodle that's both delicious and nutritious. Paired with tender chicken and a variety of crisp vegetables, this dish is stir-fried to perfection and coated in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. The result is a hearty and balanced meal that's packed with different textures and vibrant flavors. It's a delightful combination that you'll want to make again and again. Whether you're new to cooking with soba noodles or you're a longtime fan, this Chicken Soba recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of soba noodles?
  2. Yes, you can substitute soba noodles with udon noodles or whole wheat spaghetti if desired.
  3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
  4. Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just ensure that they are boneless and skinless.
  5. Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
  6. Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas to customize the dish to your taste.
  7. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
  8. Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for flavor. You can also add tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute.
  9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  10. While it's best to enjoy chicken soba immediately after cooking, you can prepare the components (cook the chicken, vegetables, and noodles) in advance and assemble them when ready to serve. Keep the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until needed.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the chicken and vegetables.
  • Pot - A pot is required to cook the soba noodles.
  • Whisk - A whisk will be used to mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar together.
  • Tongs - Tongs are helpful for flipping and removing the chicken from the skillet.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to mince the garlic, chop the onion, and julienne the carrot.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is necessary for chopping the onion and slicing the bell peppers.
  • Strainer - A strainer is useful for draining the cooked soba noodles.
  • Serving Bowl - A large serving bowl is needed to toss and serve the chicken soba.
  • Garnish Shaker - A shaker for sesame seeds is helpful for sprinkling them on top as a garnish.

Origin stories

Soba, the thin, buckwheat noodles that give Chicken Soba its name, hold a special place in Japanese culture. The noodles are traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing a crossing from one year to the next, and it is thought that their long and slender shape represents longevity and a healthy life. The practice is so widespread, it even has its own name - Toshikoshi soba, which translates to "year-crossing noodles". These noodles, with their hearty, nutty flavor, are not just a staple in Japanese cuisine, but they embody a part of the culture's traditions and beliefs. It's quite poetic to think, while relishing your bowl of Chicken Soba, that it connects you to a customs celebrated half a world away, and to many, signifies well-being and continuity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.