Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the soba noodles to the pot. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are just tender. Stir occasionally to ensure that the noodles don’t stick together.
After cooking, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them well under cold water. This step is essential as it helps to remove excess starch and cools the noodles down, preventing them from becoming mushy.
While the noodles are cooking, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Mix until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined. Set this mixture aside as it will become the sauce for the noodles.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the canola oil and allow it to heat until shimmering. You’ll know it’s ready when you can see ripples on the surface.
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped green onions to the skillet. Sauté for 15 to 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the onions become fragrant and slightly softened.
After the onions are ready, pour the prepared soy and sesame mixture into the skillet. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just enough time for the flavors to meld together.
Now it’s time to add the cooked soba noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes of gentle tossing.
Once everything is well combined, stir in the remaining minced green onions and half of the toasted sesame seeds. This will add extra flavor and texture to the noodles.
Finally, garnish the dish with the reserved sesame seeds before serving. You can enjoy Sesame Soba Noodles warm or at room temperature, making it incredibly versatile.