Oriental Cold Noodle Salad

Ingredients

• 15 ounces dried soba noodles
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• Juice from one lime
• Zest of one lime
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, or to taste (optional)
• 1 cup finely grated carrot
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped salted peanuts
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

In a large pot, cook soba noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse noodles with cold water, and set aside.

Pour into a large bowl the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and lime juice. Mix in lime zest, brown sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes; stir until sugar dissolves. Toss in carrots, peanuts, and cilantro.

Cut noodles into 3-inch lengths. Stir into dressing mixture. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Toss salad again before serving. If dry, splash with soy sauce and vinegar. Serve cold.