Discovering the Flavor
My Favorite is Spicy Garlic Soba with Bok Choy and It all started when I decided to experiment with my pantry staples on a busy weeknight. I was craving something that packed a punch but didn’t take forever to make. As I rummaged through my kitchen, I spotted a bunch of soba noodles and a few heads of baby bok choy. That’s when it hit me: a spicy garlic soba dish would hit the spot! I could almost taste the blend of garlic and spicy chili sauce dancing together in my mouth. With just a few ingredients and a bit of creativity, I was about to create a meal that would become a weeknight favorite.
The Magic of Soba and Bok Choy
Cooking up this dish was like magic in the kitchen. I boiled the soba noodles to a perfect al dente, making sure they wouldn’t be too soft or too firm. As the noodles cooked, I tossed the bok choy into a hot pan with a splash of sesame oil. The bok choy sizzled and started to wilt beautifully. The aroma of garlic and sesame oil filled the air, making my kitchen smell like a restaurant. With each step, I could see the dish coming together into a colorful, flavorful feast.
Tossing Everything Together
The real fun began when I combined everything. I poured a rich, spicy garlic sauce over the noodles and vegetables, tossing them together like I was mixing up a big, comforting hug. The bean sprouts added a delightful crunch, and the roasted peanuts sprinkled on top gave a satisfying crunch. I added a bit more of the spicy garlic sauce to ensure every bite was packed with flavor. The bok choy went back into the mix, adding a fresh, green touch that perfectly balanced the spiciness.
A Quick and Delicious Meal
When the dish was finally ready, I served it up with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and green onions. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma were enough to make my mouth water. Taking that first bite was a delight—a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and nutty flavors. This Spicy Garlic Soba with Bok Choy became my go-to for busy nights when I needed something quick yet delicious. It was everything I wanted and more, making every bite a reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Spicy Garlic Soba with Bok Choy
- For a heartier meal, add tofu or tempeh. Marinate and pan-fry the tofu or tempeh before adding it to the noodles for extra flavor and texture.
- Customize the spiciness by adjusting the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce before adding it to the noodles to ensure it suits your preference.
- If bok choy is not available, you can substitute with spinach or kale. Just adjust the cooking time as these greens cook more quickly.
- Be careful not to overcook the soba noodles. They should be tender but still have a slight bite. Rinse them under cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
Spicy Garlic Soba with Bok Choy
4
bowls5
minutes15
minutes350
kcal20
minutesGet ready to fall in love with this quick and easy vegan noodle dish! Our Spicy Garlic Soba with Bok Choy is packed with flavor, featuring a savory sauce and tender baby bok choy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is customizable to your taste and dietary needs. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or prefer a milder flavor, this dish will satisfy your cravings. Try it tonight and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- Sauce
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons sesame paste (tahini)
1 tablespoon hot chili sauce (sriracha)
1 tablespoon spicy garlic sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- Noodles and Veggies
6 ounces soba noodles (about 2 bundles)
6 ounces baby bok choy (approximately 4 small heads)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 green onions, chopped (whites and greens separated)
1 cup mung bean sprouts
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce – In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, tahini, sriracha, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles – Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the soba noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 4-5 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Sauté the Bok Choy – While the noodles are cooking, heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of sesame oil. Toss in the baby bok choy with a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the bok choy starts to wilt. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients – Pour half of the prepared sauce into the pan with the garlic and onions. Add the bean sprouts and cook for another 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked soba noodles along with the remaining sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Finish and Serve – Return the sautéed bok choy to the pan and gently mix to combine. Allow everything to heat through for about 1-2 minutes. Serve the noodles topped with the green parts of the green onions, chopped cilantro (if using), roasted peanuts, and an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Nonstick Pan
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Vitamin A: 20IU
- Vitamin C: 30mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 15mg
FAQ-Spicy Garlic Soba with Bok Choy
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can substitute soba noodles with rice noodles or whole wheat noodles. Adjust the cooking time according to the noodle package instructions.
What can I use instead of tahini if I have a nut allergy?
If you need a nut-free option, you can use sunflower seed butter or a similar seed-based paste in place of tahini.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soba noodles and ensure that your soy sauce is labeled as gluten-free or use tamari.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce or directly to the finished dish. Taste as you go to find the right level of spiciness for you.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the noodles and sauce in advance. Store them separately and combine them with the cooked bok choy and other ingredients just before serving to ensure the vegetables stay crisp.
