Ingredients

• Salt
• One 1-pound package soba noodles
• 5 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 cup peanut butter, preferably freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (see Cook's Note)
• 1 tablespoon chili paste, preferably sambal oelek
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• 3 scallions, sliced
• 2 mini English cucumbers, sliced or 1/2 large English cucumber, diced
• 2 carrots, julienned

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a blender, combine the soy sauce, peanut butter, sesame oil, brown sugar and chili paste. Blend until the sauce is smooth and has a thick but pourable consistency. If it is too thick, add a tablespoon or 2 of hot water to thin. Add the sesame seeds and give it a quick pulse.
3. Pour the sauce onto the noodles and mix thoroughly to coat. Mix in the scallions, cucumbers and carrots and toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.