Japanese chicken & soba noodle salad
This Japanese chicken and soba noodle salad combines tangy pickled carrots, crunchy cucumbers, tender chicken, and delicate soba noodles for a refreshing meal. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 30 min
Ingredients:
4 cups carrots1 cucumber
1/3 cup vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 lb chicken breasts
1 cup rice noodles
1 tsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup coriander leaves
1/4 cup scallions
2 tbsp sesame seeds
This Japanese pickled carrot, chicken, and soba noodle salad is a perfect combination of tangy, savory, and refreshing flavors. It's light yet satisfying, making it an ideal option for a healthy lunch or dinner. With the sweetness of pickled carrots, the crunch of cucumbers, and the tender chicken mixed with soba noodles, this dish offers a delightful taste of Japanese cuisine.
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
2. Add the julienned carrots and cucumber to the bowl, tossing to coat them evenly in the pickling mixture.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the vegetables to pick.
2. Cook the Chicken:
1. Place the chicken breasts in a pot of boiling water. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
2. Remove the chicken from the water and let it cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands.
1. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Toss the noodles with the sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice noodles, shredded chicken, and pickled vegetables (carrots and cucumber).
2. Add the minced garlic, chopped coriander leaves, and chopped scallions. Toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad for garnish and added flavor.
1. Serve the salad fresh, garnished with extra coriander leaves and scallions if desired.
2. Enjoy your Japanese Chicken & Soba Noodle Salad chilled or at room temperature!
This Japanese pickled carrot, chicken & soba noodle salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The blend of flavors and textures makes it a delightful dish that you can serve any time of the year. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables or proteins to customize it to your taste. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Japanese chicken & soba noodle salad FAQ:
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days. Note that the texture of the noodles and vegetables may soften over time.
Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option, or use shrimp or tempeh. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked.
The pickled vegetables should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor, but you can leave them for a few hours for a stronger taste.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
While the recipe mentions rice noodles, you can also use soba noodles or any thin Asian noodles as a substitute, but ensure to adjust cooking times based on the noodle type.
Cooking Tips:
- Pickling Time: Allow the carrots to pickle for at least 30 minutes to ensure they absorb the vinegar and sugar mixture. For a more intense flavor, you can let them pickle overnight in the refrigerator.
- Cooking Chicken: To keep the chicken breasts tender, avoid overcooking them. You can poach, grill, or bake the chicken depending on your preference.
- Noodle Preparation: Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help in maintaining the texture and preventing them from sticking together.
- Garlic Infusion: Lightly sauté the minced garlic in sesame oil before adding it to the salad to enhance its flavor.
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes, or swap the chicken for tofu to make this salad vegetarian.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 340kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 11g
Fat 9g
More recipes
Microwave chocolate fudge cake
Quick and indulgent microwave chocolate fudge cake with ganache.
14 Dec 2025Greek easter cookies (koulourakia)
Delicious Greek Easter cookies with citrus zest and a buttery flavor.
25 Nov 2025Garlic beef and watercress salad
A vibrant salad with garlic beef, watercress, and oranges.
06 Jan 2026Grilled eggplant with tomato and ricotta
Enjoy smoky grilled eggplant with fresh tomatoes and creamy ricotta.
06 Feb 2026Broccoli with garlic and chilli
A vibrant broccoli side dish with garlic and spicy chili.
02 Jan 2026