Soba Noodles with Crispy Kale

A healthy and flavorful Asian-inspired dish combining buckwheat soba noodles with crispy kale and coconut flakes, dressed in a creamy tahini-sesame sauce. The nutritional yeast adds a nutty, savory depth while the honey and lime provide a perfect balance of sweet and citrus notes.

4 servings
40 min

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch curly kale
  • cups unsweetened coconut flakes
  • cup nutritional yeast
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 10 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 oz dried soba noodles
  • 3 Tbsp tahini
  • 2⅔ Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 whole lime

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Place racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat to 375°F. Toss kale, coconut, nutritional yeast, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large bowl to coat. Divide mixture evenly between 2 rimmed baking sheets and roast, tossing and rotating baking sheets halfway through, until kale is crisp and coconut is golden brown, 15-20 minutes.

    20 min

  2. 2.

    While kale is roasting, cook noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Shake off any residual water and place noodles in a clean large bowl.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Combine tahini, soy sauce, honey, 2 tsp. sesame oil, 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, and remaining 1/2 cup olive oil in a small bowl. Finely grate zest from lime directly into bowl; halve lime and squeeze in juice (about 2 Tbsp.). Whisk dressing until smooth, then pour about half of it over noodles; toss to coat.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Add half of kale mixture to noodles and toss to incorporate. Drizzle in more dressing as needed, tossing until noodles are creamy; season with salt. Pile remaining kale on top. Drizzle with additional sesame oil and sprinkle with more red pepper flakes.

    5 min