So, cold soba noodles (buckwheat noodles made from Fagopyrum esculentum).
When it's hot outside, there's nothing quite as refreshing as a chilled bowl of these slippery delights.
We all know that some dishes can be a little lonely on the plate. Soba deserves some friends, though!
Over the years, we've tried everything from crispy tempura to zingy salads as side dishes.
Those moments at the dinner table when we've thrown together amazing combinations? Pure magic.
Here's a lineup of our top picks to serve with these tasty noodles, making sure every bite is a little slice of perfection. Let's get our taste senses revved up!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Cold Soba Noodles
Here are our top picks for side dishes to serve with cold soba noodles:
1 - Edamame with Sea Salt
Edamame with sea salt is a must-try snack for any foodie. These little green gems are poppable and full of protein (about 11 g protein per 100 g).
They have a nutty, buttery taste that we can't get enough of.
We love how easy they are to prepare. Just steam or boil, sprinkle some sea salt, and you're good to go.
The salty sprinkle brings out the flavor nicely. We suggest enjoying them warm for the best experience.
They make an ideal accompaniment to sushi or a light beer.
2 - Miso-Glazed Eggplant
Miso-glazed eggplant is a serious treat. It's smoky, savory, and downright irresistible.
The sweet and salty miso coating takes the eggplant to another level (miso is a fermented soybean paste).
We suggest broiling it for that perfect caramelization.
Pair it with rice or toss it in a salad for some extra flair, or try eggplant side pairings.
The texture? Soft, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
This side dish might just steal the spotlight from your noodles!
3 - Sesame Spinach Salad
Oh, sesame spinach salad is where it's at! This dish features tender spinach leaves (Spinacia oleracea) tossed with toasted sesame seeds for that nutty crunch.
The dressing usually packs a soy sauce punch, making each bite full of flavor. We love how quick it is to whip up.
It complements almost any meal; see spinach side suggestions.
Perfect for light lunches or as a simple side.
4 - Cucumber and Wakame Salad
It's crisp, cooling, and a perfect palate cleanse, and it pairs well with tangy side ideas for tacos.
The cucumbers are crunchy, and the wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) adds an oceanic touch.
We love the light sesame dressing, too. It combines sesame oil and rice vinegar for a tangy kick.
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for extra crunch. It's an uncomplicated dish that completes our meals beautifully.
5 - Grilled Shishito Peppers
Grilled shishito peppers are our kind of snack. These little guys are mild with a hint of sweetness.
They surprise us now and then with a spicy kick, keeping things interesting (about one in 10 are spicy).
We love how simple they are. Just toss them on the grill until they blister.
Perfect for sharing, these peppers are great as a fun appetizer or side dish, and pair nicely with grilled salmon side pairings.
6 - Pickled Ginger Carrots
Pickled ginger carrots are a surprise treat. They're sweet, tangy, with a nice crunch (quick-pickle brine often uses a 1:1 vinegar-to-water ratio).
We love how the ginger adds zing to our dishes.
They brighten up any plate. Plus, the bright color is a bonus.
This side is easy to whip up. Just slice the carrots and toss them in a simple vinegar mix.
Let them sit for a bit. The longer, the better!
These little bites are perfect for any meal or snack.
7 - Tamago (Japanese Omelette)
Shall we chat about tamago? This Japanese omelette is soft, fluffy, and totally delicious.
It brings a slight sweetness that makes it stand out (often from mirin or sugar). Each bite feels like a warm hug, thanks to that silky texture.
We usually pair it with rice or slather it in soy sauce for added kick.
Cooking it requires a gentle hand. Low heat helps achieve that tender bite we crave.
You might even want to roll it for that classic look.
It's fun, tasty, and truly satisfying!
8 - Tofu with Soy-Sesame Dressing
Tofu with soy-sesame dressing is a fab side dish we can't stop raving about. This dish brings a lovely umami flavor from the soy sauce that perfectly mingles with the nutty taste of sesame (soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans and wheat).
We love the firm texture of the tofu, especially when it's pan-fried to golden perfection.
It's super quick to whip up and adds a nice crunch. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
You'll be going back for seconds!
9 - Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono)
Japanese pickles (tsukemono) are a crunchy side dish that gives a zesty flair to any meal. These bright veggies are tangy and slightly sweet, making them super refreshing (common styles include asazuke and shiozuke).
We love how they come in various forms, from cucumbers to radishes. Each style offers a different crunch and flavor.
They're perfect for balancing heavier dishes. Serving these colorful bites adds life to our plates.
Quick to prepare, they can chill in the fridge, waiting to jazz up our meals!
10 - Miso Soup
Miso soup is a classic comfort bowl. It's warming and soothing.
This soup's base is rich, thanks to fermented soybeans (miso is a fermented soybean paste used with dashi).
Toss in some tofu and seaweed for added texture.
We prep it quickly, and it pairs incredibly with soba noodles, or try miso-friendly side suggestions.
Want an extra kick?
Add some green onions or chili flakes. Simple, satisfying, and always hits the spot!
11 - Crispy Tempura Vegetables
Crispy tempura vegetables are a total must-try. They're light, crunchy, and oh-so-flavorful.
Each bite has a satisfying texture that keeps us coming back for more.
The batter flips between crispy and airy, improving whatever veggies we choose (a batter made with ice-cold water and light flour yields that airy texture). We love using seasonal vegetables for that fresh zing.
Pairing with soy sauce or a dipping sauce takes them up a notch, and goes well with roasted vegetable side ideas.
Who doesn't love a little crunch?
12 - Steamed Gyoza
Crispy tempura vegetables are a crunchy dream. They bring a light, airy texture and a nice flavor.
The batter is thin, so it lets the veggies shine through.
We love mixing seasonal options for a fresh vibe. Dipping them in soy or sauce gives a zingy finish (try a soy-vinegar-chili dip).
Perfect for munching while binge-watching our favorite shows or serving at parties.
Each bite is an upgrade to your plate!
13 - Yuzu Ponzu Asparagus
Yuzu ponzu asparagus is a bright burst of flavor on any plate. It's tangy with a citrus twist, thanks to the yuzu (yuzu is Citrus junos).
This dish brings together the fresh snap of asparagus with a zesty ponzu sauce.
We enjoy how quick it is to whip up, turning dinner from blah to fancy in minutes. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice crunch.
Pair this with grilled chicken or fish for a nice combo.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
