Thai-Inspired Noodle Salad

Ingredients

• 15 ounces dried soba noodles
• 0.33 cups rice vinegar
• 0.33 cups soy sauce
• 1 lime , zested and juiced
• 1.5 teaspoons dark sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes , Optional
• 1 cup finely grated carrot
• 0.5 cups chopped fresh cilantro
• 0.25 cups coarsely chopped salted peanuts

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook soba noodles in boiling water until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain noodles in a colander, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

2. 2

   Pour rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil into a large bowl. Mix in brown sugar, lime zest, garlic, and red pepper flakes; stir until sugar dissolves. Toss in carrot, cilantro, and peanuts until well combined.

3. 3

   Cut noodles into 3-inch lengths. Stir into carrot mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

4. 4

   Toss salad again before serving. If dry, splash with soy sauce and rice vinegar. Serve cold.