Soba Noodle Stir-Fry with Veggies and Peanut Sauce

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 1/6/2026
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Vegetarian
Soba Noodle Stir-Fry
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

Try this easy, 30-minute soba noodle recipe for a high-protein stir-fry that brings vibrant Asian-inspired flavors right to your kitchen. We load a sizzling pan with fresh vegetables and a natural protein boost from edamame and creamy peanut butter, creating a satisfying vegetarian meal. Buckwheat-based soba noodles and low-sodium tamari make this dish both deeply savory and heart-healthy! Whether you serve it warm from the wok or as a chilled noodle bowl, you'll love the balance of zesty lime, fresh orange, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper.

See more healthy 30-minute dinner recipes.

Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
4
Calories
398

What Makes This Soba Noodle Stir-Fry with Veggies and Peanut Sauce Healthy

This recipe prioritizes nutrient-dense, whole-food ingredients like fiber-rich buckwheat noodles and plant-based proteins to create a heart-healthy alternative to traditional takeout. By replacing excess salt with fresh citrus and aromatics, it delivers a high-protein meal that supports cardiovascular health and stable energy levels.

Key Health Highlights

  • Buckwheat Benefits: Soba noodles are made from buckwheat, a gluten-free pseudo-grain that provides more fiber and protein than traditional white pasta.
  • Plant-Based Protein: The combination of edamame and peanut butter offers a complete amino acid profile, perfect for vegetarian and vegan diets.
  • Heart-Healthy Fats: Using olive oil and sesame oil provides monounsaturated fats that support healthy cholesterol levels.
  • Cholesterol-Free: This heart-healthy recipe contains 0 mg cholesterol.
  • Antioxidant-Rich Veggies: Baby bok choy and red bell peppers are packed with vitamins A and C to support immune function.

FAQs About Soba Noodle Stir-Fry

Soba noodles cook much faster than wheat pasta. Be sure to cook them just until tender and rinse them immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.

It can be! Ensure your soba noodles are 100% buckwheat (some brands mix in wheat flour) and use tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce.

Yes. It holds up well in the fridge. We recommend keeping a little extra dressing on the side to refresh the noodles just before serving, as they will soak up the sauce.

Absolutely. While designed as a vegetarian dish, it pairs excellently with grilled chicken breast or shrimp for those looking for an extra protein boost.

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Ingredients

Recipe yields 4 servings

Directions

  1. Step 1

    In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook soba noodles and edamame until tender but still firm. Drain and gently rinse with cold water. Transfer to a bowl, add sesame oil and toss to coat.

  2. Step 2

    In a blender, purée the orange juice, peanut butter, rice vinegar, lime juice, orange zest, tamari, garlic, lime zest and red-pepper flakes until smooth. Set aside.

  3. Step 3

    In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot. Add the mushrooms and bok choy and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the bell pepper and stir-fry until softened, about 2 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    In a large bowl, combine bok choy mixture, scallions, chopped cilantro and mint. Add dressing and noodles and toss gently to coat. Garnish with cilantro sprigs, additional scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 cup

398
Calories
8
g
Fat
0
mg
Cholesterol
550
mg
Sodium
60
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
11
g
Fiber
21
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods & Flavor Variations

  • While a standard skillet works perfectly, using a wok over high heat can add a signature "breath of the wok" (wok hei) char to the mushrooms and bell peppers. 
  • For a hands-off approach, you can roast the vegetables at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes before tossing them with the boiled noodles and sauce in a large mixing bowl.

Up your soba noodle game with any of these easy flavor variations:

  • Spicy Peanut Soba: Double the crushed red pepper flakes or add a teaspoon of sriracha to the blender for a bolder heat.
  • Miso Peanut Sauce: Whisk in 1 teaspoon of white miso paste to the dressing for a deeper, more savory umami profile.
  • Crunchy Soba Bowl: Top the finished dish with crushed roasted peanuts and extra scallions for added texture and crunch.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • This stir-fry is incredibly versatile; it can be served immediately as a hot meal or enjoyed cold as a refreshing noodle salad the next day. 
  • To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
  • Soba noodles tend to absorb sauce over time, so if the noodles seem dry when reheating, simply toss them with a teaspoon of water or a squeeze of lime juice to loosen the sauce and restore the creamy texture.

What to Serve With This Soba Noodle Stir-Fry: Complement the savory peanut flavors with a crisp Asian Cucumber Salad or a light low calorie miso soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find soba, whole-wheat spaghetti or brown rice noodles work well, though the nutty buckwheat flavor will vary.

Swap edamame for crispy tofu cubes or chickpeas if you prefer a different texture.

Use sunflower seed butter or tahini in place of peanut butter for a nut-free version of the savory sauce.

If baby bok choy isn't available, chopped kale, spinach, or shredded Napa cabbage are excellent leafy alternatives.

Replace tamari with coconut aminos for a lower-sodium, soy-free seasoning option.

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