A steaming bowl of this soba noodle soup will cozy you up with its rich flavors and comforting goodness! It’s one of the easiest and quickest Japanese noodle soups that comes together in no time.

If you’re like me and have an obsession with Asian soups, you’ll surely love the combination of bold, sweet, and savory taste in its broth, which perfectly complements the noodles. 

This version of the traditional Japanese soup is vegan-friendly and has a unique texture and flavor.

So, whether you’re a vegan or a meat lover, you’re bound to fall in love with this soup!

The best part about this nourishing Japanese soba noodle soup is, that it’s perfect for any time of the year and would be the perfect soup to slurp on if you’re under the weather. 

My husband and I crave this all the time, even when it’s scorching hot outside! Why? Because you can also serve it cold!

But what I love most about this recipe is that you can get creative with your toppings like vegetables and proteins – it goes perfectly well with both the soup and the noodles. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this soup so exciting!

Soba noodles are available at any Asian and regular grocery store dried in bundles or refrigerated so go get some and let’s cook!

What Are Soba Noodles and Their Health Benefits

Soba noodles are a type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. They have a slightly nutty flavor and a smooth, slippery texture. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer several health benefits! 

The buckwheat flour used in soba noodles is rich in nutrients like manganese, magnesium, and antioxidants.

Soba noodles are also gluten-free, and low in calories and carbohydrates. This means that they are a healthier alternative to traditional wheat noodles, and they contain more protein and fiber. They are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for your meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Soba Noodle Soup

• 5 oz soba noodles
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• ½ cup shiitake mushrooms
• 1/2 fresh ginger
• 1 1/2 tbsp yellow or white miso paste
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup firm tofu, cut into long strips
• 3 pcs baby bok choy
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 medium green onions

Step-by-Step Preparation With Pictures

1. Start by cleaning and cutting the mushrooms into thin slices. Finely chop the green onions into rounds. Then, peel and mince the ginger. Set aside.

2. Wash the bok choy and trim the ends. Depending on the size of your bok choy, slice them in halves or quarters. Set aside.

3. In a large pot heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown.

4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the miso paste and minced ginger.

5. Add a small amount of the vegetable broth to the pot.

6. Stir until the miso is fully dissolved. 

7. Pour in the remaining vegetable broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

8. While the soup is simmering, cook the soba noodles in a separate pot of water. Let the water boil first before putting the noodles. Cook until slightly underdone. Drain and rinse with lukewarm water to wash off extra starch. Set aside.

9. Add the tofu and baby bok choy to the soup.

10. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the bok choy starts to wilt slightly.

11. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.

12. Add the cooked soba noodles to the soup and taste, adjusting soy and sesame oil as needed.

13. Transfer to a medium bowl. You can garnish the soup with sesame seeds or chopped scallions to add more visual appeal. Serve it immediately for the best flavor. Enjoy!

Variation Ideas

Experiment with different ingredients and find what suits your taste and preference! Here are some variations and substitutions I have tried that might inspire you.

• Extra Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in this soup. Add carrots, spinach, or any other veggies you love. They will not only add nutrition but also create a burst of vibrant colors to your soup.
• Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicy flavor, add a dash of sriracha or sprinkle some red chili flakes to give your soup a spicy kick.
• Chicken: If you’re not following a vegan diet, you can add cooked chicken to the soup for an extra protein boost. Simply slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it along with the tofu and bok choy.
• Asian Grocery Store Finds: Explore your local Asian grocery store for unique ingredients to enhance the flavors of your soba noodle soup. Look out for dashi broth, mirin, and bonito flakes for an authentic Japanese touch.
• Other Toppings: Customize your soba noodle soup by adding different toppings like sliced boiled egg, shrimp, or green peas. These additions will add extra protein and flavor to your soup.
• Kombu: To enhance the flavor of your broth, you can add a piece of kombu or dried kelp while cooking the soup. Remove it before serving.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re not used to eating soup as a standalone, this soba noodle can be paired with various accompaniments! 

• Side Dish: To make your soup even more satisfying, serve this soba noodle soup with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad. The combination of the hearty soup with the lightness of rice or the crispness of salad creates a balanced and complete meal that everyone will love!
• Asian-Inspired Appetizers: Pair your soup with Asian-inspired appetizers like gyoza (dumplings) or spring rolls. These bites complement the flavors of the soup beautifully. Plus, they’re fun to eat and perfect for sharing with friends and family!
• Pair with Crusty Bread: If you’re craving something extra to munch on, serve your soba noodle soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast. The warm and crispy bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and creates a perfect combination of contrast in texture and flavor. 

Tips for Success

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the overall taste and texture of the soup.
• Use High-Quality Soba Noodles: Look for soba noodles made from 100% buckwheat flour for the best flavor and texture. Avoid buckwheat noodles that contain a high percentage of wheat flour.
• Don’t Overcook The Noodles: Soba noodles cook quickly, so be sure to follow the instructions on the package for the cooking time. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and lose their pleasant chewiness. Cook them slightly underdone, as they will continue to cook in the soup.
• Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Apart from the soba noodles, keep an eye on the bok choy as well to ensure it retains its vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup as you go and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more soy sauce, salt, or miso paste for a stronger umami flavor. But it’s always best to start with the recommended amounts and you can add more if desired.

Storage

If you have any leftovers, store the soba noodle soup and cooked noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup again, simply reheat the soup and combine it with the noodles before serving.

However, it’s best to consume the soup fresh or cold for the best flavor.

One Last Thing

If going to Japan for the most authentic Japanese food (still on my bucket list!) isn’t in the books for you in the near future, bring Japan to your kitchen with this amazing Japanese classic.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can be flexible with it. You have the freedom to make it your own and experiment with different ingredients, toppings, and even the broth!

Once you find the best version that suits your taste, this will surely become a staple at your home! 

Whether it’s a rainy day or you’re craving something warm and comforting, this homemade vegan soba noodle soup recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Your Turn

If you make this soba noodle soup with shiitake mushrooms recipe, please take a moment to let me know how you liked it by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card. Follow me on Pinterest and Facebook for more easy and tasty recipes!

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