If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and super easy Japanese meal to beat the heat, Zaru Soba might just become your new favorite go-to. It’s quick to make, delicious to eat, and honestly, feels like a little spa day for your taste buds. If you've never tried cold soba noodles before, you're in for a treat!
As a busy stay-at-home mom myself, I know how important it is to find meals that are healthy, budget-friendly, and fast—Zaru Soba ticks all those boxes.
Let me show you exactly how to make this classic Japanese dish right in your own kitchen. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just cool, slurp-worthy goodness in less than 15 minutes!
What is Zaru Soba?
Zaru Soba (ざるそば) is a traditional Japanese noodle dish made with buckwheat noodles (soba) that are served cold on a bamboo tray (called a zaru) with a flavorful dipping sauce known as mentsuyu. It’s especially popular during the summer months in Japan because it’s light, cooling, and super refreshing.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a bamboo tray. A regular plate works just fine!
What You’ll Need (Simple Ingredients!)
Here’s everything you need to make a basic and delicious Zaru Soba at home:
For the noodles:
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1 bundle of dried soba noodles (you can find this at most Asian grocery stores or online)
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Ice water
For the dipping sauce (mentsuyu):
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1 cup dashi stock (you can use instant dashi powder if you don’t have time to make it)
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup mirin
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1 tsp sugar (optional for a touch of sweetness)
For the toppings (optional but recommended!):
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Green onions (thinly sliced)
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Grated wasabi or wasabi paste
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Grated ginger
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Shredded nori (seaweed)
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Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step: How to Make Zaru Soba
1. Cook the soba noodles
Boil a pot of water and cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions (usually 4-5 minutes). Keep an eye on them—overcooked soba gets mushy and loses its chewy texture.
2. Rinse and chill
This part is important! After draining the noodles, immediately rinse them under cold running water to remove starch and stop the cooking process. Then, soak them in ice water to get them nice and cold. This step is what gives Zaru Soba its signature cool and bouncy texture.
3. Make the dipping sauce
In a small pot, combine dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring it to a light simmer, then remove from heat and let it cool. You can also make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
4. Plate and garnish
Place your soba noodles on a plate or tray (bonus points if you chill the plate too!). Garnish with shredded nori, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.
Pour the cooled dipping sauce into small bowls. Add a dab of wasabi or a little grated ginger on the side if you like a little kick.
How to Eat Zaru Soba (The Fun Part!)
You don’t pour the sauce over the noodles—instead, you pick up a bite of noodles with your chopsticks, dip them into the mentsuyu sauce, and slurp them up! Yes, slurping is totally okay in Japan—in fact, it’s encouraged. It cools the noodles down and brings out the flavor.
Why Moms Love Zaru Soba
Let me tell you why I always have soba noodles stocked in my pantry:
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It's crazy fast to make—done in 10 minutes!
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Kids love slurping the noodles (and dipping things is always a hit).
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It’s light but still super satisfying.
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Great way to get a break from heavy meals in the warmer months.
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You can add protein like boiled eggs, tofu, or grilled chicken if you want to make it more filling.
Variations to Try
Once you master the basic Zaru Soba, feel free to get creative:
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Add a soft boiled egg for extra richness.
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Top with tempura (this combo is called Ten Zaru Soba in Japan).
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Mix in sliced cucumbers, daikon radish, or kimchi for extra texture and tang.
Where to Buy Soba Noodles and Mentsuyu
You can find soba noodles at:
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Japanese or Asian grocery stores
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Amazon or online specialty stores
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Some larger supermarkets with an international section
If you're short on time, you can also buy bottled mentsuyu sauce, which is ready to use and tastes pretty authentic!
Final Thoughts: Zaru Soba is Your Summer BFF
If you're a busy mom like me, you’ll love how low-effort but high-reward Zaru Soba is. Whether you're trying to cool off after a hot day at the playground or you just want something light and delicious that the whole family will actually eat—this recipe is a total win.
So the next time you’re tired of cooking hot meals in a hot kitchen, give this cool Japanese dish a try. You might just start craving it even when it’s not summer anymore!
