A delightful stir-fry combining the earthy flavors of soba noodles with vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Adding a pinch of salt to the water enhances the flavor of the noodles.
Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water, then set aside.
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and keeps the noodles firm.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until smooth.
Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of sesame oil.
Using a non-stick skillet can make cooking and cleaning easier.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Add broccoli, carrot, and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir until it thickens.
Keep stirring to prevent the sauce from sticking to the skillet.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce and vegetables.
Use tongs to mix everything together thoroughly.
Serve the stir-fry hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds.
Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best flavor and texture.