Ingredients

• 6 ounces soba (buckwheat) noodles*
• 1-inch piece fresh gingerroot
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon sugar, if desired
• Salt

Instructions

1. In a 4-quart kettle bring 3 1/2 quarts salted water to a boil for noodles. Have ready a large bowl of ice and cold water.
2. Make dressing: Peel and grate ginger to yield 1 tablespoon. In a small sieve set over a small bowl press gingerroot to extract juice. In a bowl stir together 1 teaspoon ginger juice and remaining dressing ingredients with salt, to taste.
3. Add noodles to boiling water and cook 2 to 4 minutes, or until al dente. Drain noodles in a colander and immediately transfer to ice water. Swish noodles until cold and drain well. Add noodles to dressing and toss well. Noodles may be made 1 hour ahead and chilled, covered. Toss noodles before serving.