If you are craving a dish that delivers bold flavors with a refreshing twist, this Miso Steak with Noodle Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. The rich, umami-packed miso-marinated sirloin paired with crisp, colorful noodle salad creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that feel both comforting and vibrant. With every bite, you’ll savor the juicy tenderness of the steak and the bright, crunchy vegetables dressed in a tangy, savory sauce – making this recipe a total winner for lunch or dinner, no matter the occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple but relies on each ingredient to bring its own magic to the plate. From the deeply savory white miso paste to the fresh crunch of julienned vegetables, every element works in perfect balance to make the dish as satisfying visually as it is on the palate.
- 300g sirloin steak: Choose a quality cut for juicy, flavorful meat that stands up well to marinating and just a quick sear.
- 2 tbsp white miso paste: This is the soul of the dish, delivering umami depth and a subtle sweetness.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds saltiness and complexity to both marinade and dressing.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Gives a gentle tang that lightens and brightens the flavors.
- 1 tbsp honey: Provides natural sweetness to balance the acidity and saltiness.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Brings a rich nuttiness that infuses the steak and salad.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic punches up the flavor with aromatic sharpness.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds a lively warmth and zing to elevate the dish.
- 150g soba noodles: These buckwheat noodles offer a firm, hearty base with excellent texture.
- ½ cucumber, julienned: Refreshes every bite with crisp coolness and subtle sweetness.
- 1 medium carrot, julienned: Adds vibrant color and a touch of natural crunch.
- ½ cup red cabbage, shredded: Brings beautiful hue and a satisfying crisp element.
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced: Lends a mild oniony freshness that ties all the veggies together.
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for extra texture and a toasty finish.
How to Make Miso Steak with Noodle Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Dressing
Start by whisking together the white miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mixture will serve double duty—half as your rich marinade to transform the steak and half as a luscious dressing for the noodle salad, so set aside about half once mixed.
Step 2: Marinate the Sirloin Steak
Place your sirloin steak in a shallow dish and pour over half of the marinade, making sure it’s thoroughly coated. Let it soak up these vibrant flavors for at least 30 minutes. This step is key because it infuses the steak with that fantastic savory depth and keeps every bite juicy and tender once cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Soba Noodles
While the steak marinates, boil the soba noodles according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes until tender but still firm. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and give them a refreshing finish that won’t get mushy in the salad.
Step 4: Toss the Noodle Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled noodles with the julienned cucumber, carrot, shredded red cabbage, and sliced spring onions. Drizzle the reserved dressing you set aside earlier and toss everything well to ensure each bite bursts with lively, layered flavors and crisp texture.
Step 5: Sear and Slice the Steak
Heat a pan on high until sizzling hot and quickly sear the marinated sirloin steak for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Once beautifully caramelized on the outside, remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain those precious juices. Then slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the sliced steak over the vibrant noodle salad and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for an irresistible nutty crunch that completes this dish perfectly.
How to Serve Miso Steak with Noodle Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, add a sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds or some finely chopped fresh cilantro or mint. A wedge of lime on the side can also brighten the dish wonderfully if you crave a zesty note. These small touches elevate the presentation and add fresh bursts of flavor.
Side Dishes
This Miso Steak with Noodle Salad Recipe holds its own beautifully as a complete meal, but if you want to add something extra, consider a light miso soup or some steamed edamame with sea salt. Both pair beautifully by keeping things light and complementing the umami flavors without overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve the noodle salad nestled in individual bowls with the thinly sliced steak elegantly fanned on top, finishing with a few sesame seeds scattered over everything. You can also roll steak slices inside lettuce leaves along with some salad for a fun hand-held option that’s perfect for casual dinners or entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the steak slices and noodle salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the textures fresh and the flavors vibrant when you’re ready to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze the marinated steak before cooking, it’s best to avoid freezing the noodle salad as the vegetables and noodles won’t maintain their crisp texture after thawing. Freeze the steak in a sealed bag for up to three months if needed.
Reheating
Reheat the steak gently in a hot pan or under the broiler for just a minute or two to retain juiciness, and enjoy the cold noodle salad fresh or at room temperature for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its balance of tenderness and flavor, ribeye or flank steak would also work beautifully in the Miso Steak with Noodle Salad Recipe, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can replace the steak with grilled tofu or tempeh marinated in the same miso mixture to create a delicious plant-based version that carries the same flavor profile and satisfies the palate.
What is the best way to julienne vegetables quickly?
Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for thin, uniform strips that blend perfectly with the noodles and make the salad visually appealing and easy to eat.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! The miso marinade can be made up to two days in advance and kept refrigerated. This makes assembling the recipe even quicker when you’re ready to cook.
Do soba noodles contain gluten?
Traditional soba noodles are made from buckwheat but often contain some wheat flour. For a gluten-free version, look specifically for 100% buckwheat soba noodles or substitute with rice noodles.
Final Thoughts
Give this Miso Steak with Noodle Salad Recipe a try when you want to treat yourself to something that’s both deeply satisfying and refreshingly light. It’s a fantastic combination of flavors and textures that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Once you taste that perfect balance of savory miso steak and crisp, tangy noodle salad, it’s sure to become one of your favorite dishes to revisit time after time.
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Miso Steak with Noodle Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Miso Steak with Noodle Salad is a flavorful and vibrant dish featuring tender sirloin marinated in a savory miso mixture, served over a refreshing soba noodle salad tossed with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner that combines rich umami flavors with fresh, crunchy textures.
Ingredients
For the Steak and Marinade
- 300g sirloin steak
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
For the Noodle Salad
- 150g soba noodles
- ½ cucumber, julienned
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- ½ cup red cabbage, shredded
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together white miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Use half of this mixture to marinate the sirloin steak, coating it evenly. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors, reserving the remaining marinade for the noodle dressing.
- Cook the Soba Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
- Assemble the Noodle Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked soba noodles with julienned cucumber, carrot, shredded red cabbage, and thinly sliced spring onions. Pour the reserved marinade over the salad and toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a pan over high heat until very hot. Remove the steak from the marinade and sear it for 2 to 3 minutes on each side to achieve a medium-rare doneness, or longer depending on your preferred level of cooking. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Arrange the slices over the prepared noodle salad on serving plates. Sprinkle the dish with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately while the steak is warm.
Notes
- Marinating the steak for longer than 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) will enhance the flavor even more.
- You can substitute soba noodles with other thin noodles like vermicelli or udon if preferred.
- Make sure to slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- To add extra protein, consider topping the salad with a soft-boiled egg or tofu for a vegetarian adaptation.
- The leftover marinade used as dressing does not contain raw meat but always ensure it is fresh and not contaminated.
