Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 3 tablespoons chili oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar
  • Salt
  • 1/2 pound soba or Japanese buckwheat noodles
  • 1/2 bunch scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced

Method

  • Place soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, add brown sugar and bring to a boil.
  • Turn heat to low, stir in molasses, and return to simmer.
  • Transfer to a mixing bowl.
  • Add sesame oil, tahini, chili oil, and vinegar, and whisk to combine.
  • Season to taste with salt, if desired.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil.
  • Add noodles, bring back to a boil, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they just begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
  • (Soba noodles can overcook very quickly, so stay nearby.)
  • Have ready a large bowl of iced water.
  • Drain noodles, plunge in iced water, and drain again.
  • Place in a colander and rinse well under cold running water.
  • Combine noodles and sauce, toss well with scallions, and chill.
  • Serve in small nests on lettucelined plates with Chopped Tofu and Parsley.