Chicken & Peanut Soba Noodle Bowl Recipe

This zesty wellness-inspired soba noodle bowl is perfect for beating the cold weather while inspiring your next exotic getaway. Filled with vibrant flavors like bright lime, fiery red chile, warm ginger and aromatic cilantro, the dish creates a journey for the senses.

Soba, the Japanese word for buckwheat, has long been a chef favorite with its nutty flavor and versatility. Even better, soba noodles have more fiber and protein – and less calories – than traditional pasta. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish since you chill the soba noodles once you’ve adding the dressing.

CHICKEN & PEANUT SOBA NOODLE BOWL RECIPE
SERVES 8

DRESSING
1 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons each rice wine vinegar, organic tamari soy sauce, lime juice, black bean paste and ginger juice
1 tablespoon red chile paste
1 teaspoon each chile oil, fish sauce and mirin

NOODLES
1 pound dried buckwheat or soba noodles
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 cup julienned carrots
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
1/8 cup scallions, sliced on diagonal
4 chicken breasts, poached and shredded

GARNISH
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
1/8 cup scallions, sliced on diagonal
1/4 cup each chopped mint leaves and cilantro leaves

FOR THE DRESSING
In a blender, purée the ingredients until smooth. Thin with water if necessary. Reserve.

FOR THE NOODLES
In a large pasta pot, bring 1 gallon water and 1 ½ tablespoons salt to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook until al dente. Drain the soba noodles and transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle with the sesame oil, tossing to coat. Place uncovered in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to halt the cooking, stirring occasionally. Remove from the refrigerator. Add the carrots, peanuts and scallions. Then slowly add the dressing, reserving ¼ cup for the chicken later. Toss to lightly coat the soba noodles, being careful not to overdress it. Cover and chill at least until serving or up to overnight.

TO ASSEMBLE
In a medium bowl, lightly coat and season the chicken with a few tablespoons of the dressing. When ready to serve, ensure the noodles and chicken are at room temperature. In individual bowls, place a portion of the noodles and top with the chicken. Garnish with the peanuts, scallions, mint and cilantro.