What to Serve With Zaru Soba – 15 Best Sides

What to Serve With Zaru Soba, you ask?

I’ve discovered that zaru soba, a traditional Japanese dish of chilled buckwheat noodles, is even more delicious when paired with the perfect sides.

In fact, did you know that there are 15 amazing options to choose from?

From a refreshing green salad to crispy tempura and flavorful miso soup, the possibilities are endless.

Join me on a culinary journey as we explore the 15 best sides to serve with zaru soba.

Get ready to satisfy your taste buds like never before!

Green Salad

A green salad is a refreshing and healthy option to serve alongside zaru soba. I love the crispness of the lettuce and the vibrant colors of the vegetables in a green salad. It adds a burst of freshness to the meal and complements the flavors of the soba noodles perfectly.

I usually like to include a mix of lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and shredded carrots in my green salad. The combination of these ingredients adds a variety of textures and flavors to each bite. I also like to toss the salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to enhance the taste.

Overall, a green salad is a great choice to balance out the richness of zaru soba and add some nutritious elements to the meal.

Tempura

For a delicious and crispy accompaniment to your zaru soba, try adding some tempura to your meal. Tempura is a popular Japanese dish made with battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables. It adds a satisfying crunch and flavor to your soba experience.

I love the contrast between the soft and chewy soba noodles and the crispy tempura. The light and airy texture of the batter complements the delicate flavors of the soba sauce. Whether you choose shrimp, vegetables, or a combination of both, tempura is a versatile side dish that can elevate any meal.

Miso Soup

Don’t forget to add some miso soup to your meal. It’s a warm and comforting option that pairs well with zaru soba.

The combination of the cool and refreshing zaru soba with the rich and savory miso soup creates a perfect balance of flavors.

The miso soup is made with a soybean paste called miso, which gives it a unique umami taste. It is usually filled with ingredients like tofu, seaweed, and green onions, adding different textures and flavors to the soup.

The warm broth of the miso soup complements the chilled soba noodles, creating a satisfying and delicious meal.

Edamame

Make sure you try some edamame, it’s a tasty and nutritious option to add to your meal. Edamame are young soybeans that are harvested before they fully mature. They are usually served as a snack or appetizer, but they can also be a great side dish.

Edamame is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like folate and vitamin K. I love how easy it is to prepare edamame – just boil them in salted water for a few minutes and they are ready to enjoy. The best part is that you can eat them straight from the pod, making it a fun and interactive food.

Grilled Chicken Skewers

You should definitely try the grilled chicken skewers. They are a delicious and flavorful option for your next meal.

These skewers are a favorite of mine. They are incredibly easy to make and always turn out juicy and tender. I marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, which gives it a wonderful savory flavor.

Then, I simply grill the skewers until they are cooked through and slightly charred. The result is a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just looking for a quick and tasty dinner, these grilled chicken skewers are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Give them a try and prepare to be amazed!

Pickled Vegetables

I’ve always loved the tangy crunch of pickled vegetables in sandwiches and salads. There’s something about the zesty flavor and crisp texture that adds a refreshing kick to any meal.

Whether it’s a simple cucumber pickle or a medley of carrots, radishes, and onions, pickled vegetables bring a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of other ingredients. I enjoy the contrast they provide, balancing out the flavors and bringing a vibrant element to the plate.

They’re also incredibly versatile, complementing a wide range of dishes from Asian stir-fries to Mexican tacos. Plus, pickled vegetables are a great way to preserve seasonal produce and enjoy their flavors all year round.

Tofu and Vegetable Stir-fry

After discussing pickled vegetables as a great side dish for zaru soba, I want to share another delicious option: tofu and vegetable stir-fry.

This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect complement to the cold soba noodles.

To make this stir-fry, I start by sautéing tofu and a colorful medley of vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.

Then, I add a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey for a hint of sweetness.

The result is a mouthwatering combination of tender tofu and crunchy vegetables, coated in a flavorful glaze.

This tofu and vegetable stir-fry adds a satisfying texture and a burst of flavors to your zaru soba meal.

Seaweed Salad

To make a delicious seaweed salad, I combine rehydrated seaweed, thinly sliced cucumbers, and a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce.

First, I soak the dried seaweed in water until it becomes soft and pliable. Then, I drain and rinse it thoroughly.

Next, I thinly slice some fresh cucumbers and mix them with the seaweed in a bowl.

For the dressing, I whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce until well combined. I pour the dressing over the seaweed and cucumbers, tossing everything gently to coat.

Finally, I let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

The result is a refreshing, tangy, and nutritious salad that pairs perfectly with any meal.

Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)

When making gyoza, make sure to use a combination of ground pork, cabbage, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a flavorful filling.

I love preparing gyoza at home because they are delicious and easy to make.

First, I mix the ground pork with finely chopped cabbage, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of soy sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a savory and aromatic filling that is simply irresistible.

Then, I carefully spoon the filling onto each gyoza wrapper and fold them into little dumplings.

Next, I pan-fry the dumplings until they are golden brown and crispy on the bottom.

Finally, I serve the gyoza with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili oil.

These homemade gyoza are always a hit and make for a fantastic appetizer or main course.

Steamed Vegetables

For a healthy and nutritious option, steam your vegetables until they are tender and vibrant in color. Steaming vegetables is a simple and effective way to retain their natural flavors and nutrients.

I love steaming a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and green beans. The process is quick and easy – just place the vegetables in a steamer basket over boiling water and let them cook until they reach the desired doneness.

Steamed vegetables are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They make a perfect side dish for any meal and can be enjoyed on their own or with a light seasoning of salt and pepper.

Kimchi

Have you ever tried kimchi, a spicy and tangy Korean fermented cabbage dish? Let me tell you, it’s absolutely delicious!

I first tried kimchi when I visited a Korean restaurant with my friends. The moment I took my first bite, my taste buds were blown away by its unique flavors. The spiciness adds a kick to the dish, while the tanginess adds a refreshing twist.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal, providing a burst of flavor that complements other dishes beautifully. Whether you’re having it as a side dish or incorporating it into a main course, kimchi is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal.

Trust me, once you try kimchi, you’ll be hooked!

Tsukemono (Japanese Pickles)

Tsukemono, or Japanese pickles, are a delicious and refreshing addition to any meal. I absolutely love the tangy and crunchy flavors they bring to the table. Whether it’s the classic pickled cucumbers, daikon radishes, or even eggplants, each bite is a burst of umami goodness.

The process of pickling these vegetables in a brine of salt, vinegar, and sometimes other seasonings, creates a unique and addictive taste that perfectly complements the main dish. Not only do they add a pop of color to the plate, but they also provide a refreshing contrast to heavier flavors.

I often find myself reaching for these pickles as a palate cleanser between bites, allowing me to fully savor each dish. So, the next time you’re enjoying a Japanese meal, don’t forget to indulge in the delightful world of Tsukemono.

Teriyaki Salmon

Teriyaki salmon is a mouthwatering dish that combines the rich flavors of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger with the tender and flaky texture of the fish. I love making this dish because it is incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare.

To start, I marinate the salmon in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish and infuse it with a delicious sweetness.

Then, I simply grill or broil the salmon until it is cooked to perfection. The result is a caramelized glaze on the outside and moist and tender fish on the inside.

I enjoy serving teriyaki salmon with a side of steamed rice and some sautéed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Spinach With Sesame Dressing

I’m excited to share a delicious recipe for spinach with sesame dressing that will add a burst of flavor to your next meal.

This side dish is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients. To start, blanch a bunch of fresh spinach in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Next, prepare the sesame dressing by combining toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and a touch of sesame oil in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Finally, toss the blanched spinach with the sesame dressing until well coated. The result is a vibrant and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with any main course.

Give it a try and elevate your meal to the next level!

Sashimi Platter

After enjoying the refreshing Spinach with Sesame Dressing, I can’t help but crave something light and flavorful to accompany my Zaru Soba. That’s when a beautiful Sashimi Platter comes to mind.

The vibrant colors and delicate slices of fresh raw fish create a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. From melt-in-your-mouth tuna to buttery salmon, each piece is a testament to the ocean’s bounty. The simplicity of the sashimi perfectly balances the soba noodles, allowing their unique flavors to shine.

With a dab of wasabi and a dip in soy sauce, each bite becomes a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The Sashimi Platter adds elegance and sophistication to any meal, making it the ideal companion for a bowl of zaru soba.