Soba with Green Chile Pesto

A vibrant Japanese-fusion dish combining buckwheat soba noodles with a spicy green pesto made from serrano chiles, herbs, and white miso. This refreshing meal brings together the earthy flavors of soba with bright citrus and fresh herbs.

4 servings
18 min

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces soba (Japanese-style noodles)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons white miso
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ¾ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 whole serrano chiles
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 whole scallions
  • 2 cups chopped basil leaves
  • 2 cups chopped cilantro
  • 2 cups trimmed watercress
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup soba cooking liquid.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, whisk miso, lime juice, and oil in a large bowl. Chop halved chiles, garlic, and a pinch of salt together on a cutting board, then use the side of chef's knife to mash into a paste. Transfer to bowl with miso mixture and mix well. Add scallions, chopped basil, and cilantro and toss to combine; season pesto with salt.

    8 min

  3. 3.

    Add soba, watercress, and sliced chile to pesto and toss, adding reserved soba cooking liquid by the teaspoonfuls as needed, until nicely coated.

    3 min

  4. 4.

    Serve noodles topped with torn basil and sesame seeds.

    2 min