Savory Beef Soba: A Hearty Japanese Classic

Ingredients

  • 200g soba noodles
  • 300g beef steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 bunch green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water, then set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and julienned carrot. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring well to coat the vegetables.
  6. Add the beef broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, until the broth has slightly reduced.
  7. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and add the sliced green onions. Let the mixture simmer for another few minutes, until the beef is heated through.
  8. Divide the cooked soba noodles between four bowls. Ladle the beef and vegetable mixture over the noodles in each bowl.
  9. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - For boiling the soba noodles
  • Skillet - Used for cooking the beef and vegetables
  • Knife - To thinly slice the beef and onions
  • Cutting board - To chop and prepare the vegetables
  • Bowls - For serving the beef soba
  • Small bowl - To mix the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar
  • Ladle - To ladle the beef and vegetable mixture over the noodles
  • Spatula or tongs - To stir and flip the ingredients in the skillet
  • Strainer - For draining the cooked soba noodles
  • Measuring spoons - To measure the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar
  • Grater - Optional, for grating fresh ginger or garlic
  • Sesame seeds grinder - Optional, for freshly ground sesame seeds for garnish

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the beef with chicken or shrimp for a different protein option.
  • Add in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with tofu or tempeh.
  • Experiment with different sauces or seasonings to customize the flavor, such as adding ginger or chili flakes.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soba noodles or substitute with rice noodles.
  • Add a splash of lime juice or rice vinegar for a tangy twist.
  • Sprinkle some chopped cilantro or basil on top for added freshness.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, include some sriracha or red pepper flakes.
  • For a heartier meal, serve the beef soba over a bed of steamed rice.
  • Include some crunchy toppings like crushed peanuts or crispy fried onions.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a comforting and delicious meal with this Beef Soba recipe. This recipe combines tender slices of beef and fresh vegetables, all simmered in a savory broth. The dish is served over soba, a type of thin Japanese noodle made from buckwheat. The noodles add a unique, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and vegetables. This Beef Soba recipe is fairly simple to make, and it's versatile too - feel free to add other vegetables of your choice. The ingredients are stir-fried and then simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and beef broth, creating a deeply flavorful sauce that is both sweet and savory. Topped off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch, this dish is a satisfying and well-rounded meal. So, whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned chef, give this crowd-pleasing Beef Soba recipe a try. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of noodle instead of soba? Yes, you can substitute soba noodles with udon noodles or even spaghetti if desired.
  2. What type of beef should I use for this recipe? It is best to use a tender cut of beef such as ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! You can omit the beef and use tofu or mushrooms as a substitute for a vegetarian version.
  4. Is it necessary to rinse the soba noodles? Yes, rinsing the soba noodles helps remove excess starch and prevents them from becoming sticky.
  5. Can I make the broth ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the beef broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook the rest of the recipe.
  6. Can I adjust the sweetness of the dish? Certainly! If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add more sugar or adjust the amount of mirin in the sauce according to your taste.
  7. Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli to enhance the dish.
  8. Can I garnish the dish with something other than sesame seeds? Yes, if you prefer, you can garnish the dish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced scallions, or even crushed peanuts.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - for boiling the soba noodles
  • Skillet - for cooking the beef and vegetables
  • Strainer - for draining the cooked soba noodles
  • Cutting board - for slicing the onion, carrot, and green onions
  • Knife - for cutting the vegetables and beef
  • Measuring spoons - for accurately measuring the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar
  • Small bowl - for mixing the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar
  • Ladle - for serving the beef and vegetable mixture over the soba noodles
  • Serving bowls - for plating the Beef Soba
  • Sesame seeds - for garnishing the dish before serving

Origin stories

Beef Soba, also known as Niku Soba, is a heartwarming dish that originates from Japan. The soba noodle, a staple in Japanese cuisine, dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1868) when it was discovered that this buckwheat noodle not only has a delightful texture and taste, but also possesses nutritional benefits. The dish itself is a testament to the Japanese culinary philosophy of simplicity and umami, combining tender slices of beef with a savory soy-based broth. Interestingly, soba is traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve in Japan, in a custom called "Toshikoshi soba" which is believed to bring longevity and prosperity for the year ahead. So, enjoy your bowl of Beef Soba, and who knows, it might just bring you a dash of good luck!

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.