Okinawa Soba (Okinawan Noodle Soup)
A brief overview of the dish, such as: "A traditional Okinawan noodle soup made with chewy wheat noodles, rich pork broth, and flavorful toppings like tender pork, green onions, and pickled ginger.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Okinawan
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal
- 200 g Okinawa soba noodles
- 1 liter pork bone broth
- 200 g pork belly or pork ribs
- 2 green onions sliced
- 4 slices kamaboko fish cake
- 1 tbsp pickled ginger
- 1 tbsp soy sauce optional
- 1 tsp salt to taste
Prepare the Broth:
In a large pot, simmer pork bones, bonito flakes, and kombu for 2-3 hours. Strain the broth and season with soy sauce and salt.
Assemble the Dish:
Place the noodles in a bowl, ladle the hot broth over them, and add the pork, green onions, kamaboko, and pickled ginger.
Noodle Tips:
- Use authentic soba noodles for the best texture and flavor. If unavailable, thick wheat noodles or udon can be substitutes, though the taste will differ slightly.
- Avoid overcooking the noodles, as they should remain chewy and firm.
Broth Variations:
- For a lighter broth, you can use chicken or vegetable stock instead of pork bone broth.
- Add a splash of mirin or sake to the broth for a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Toppings Customization:
- Feel free to experiment with toppings! Try adding boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, or even seafood like shrimp or squid.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the pork with tofu or mushrooms and use a kombu-based broth.
Storage and Reheating:
- Store the broth, noodles, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, bring the broth to a gentle simmer and cook fresh noodles for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve it with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Pair it with a cup of green tea or a cold glass of awamori (Okinawan rice wine) for an authentic experience.
Keyword Japanese noodle soup, Okinawa Soba, Okinawan cuisine, Okinawan Noodle Soup