2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, or to taste (Optional)
1 cup finely grated carrot
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup coarsely chopped salted peanuts
Method
Start by boiling a generous pot of water. Add the soba noodles and cook until they're tender, which should take about 5 minutes. Once done, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, and sesame oil. Add in brown sugar, lime zest, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves.
Incorporate shredded carrots, fresh cilantro, and chopped peanuts into the sauce, mixing well to ensure everything is coated.
Cut the cooled noodles into 3-inch pieces and fold them into the carrot and dressing mixture. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a good toss. If it seems a bit dry, feel free to add a splash of soy sauce or rice vinegar. Serve it cold for a refreshing dish.
