If you are craving something that masterfully blends bold umami flavors with fresh, crisp textures, this Miso Steak with Noodle Salad Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. It perfectly balances the hearty richness of a beautifully seared sirloin steak marinated in savory white miso, ginger, and garlic, paired with a vibrant noodle salad bursting with colorful veggies and a tangy sesame dressing. This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a meal that feels both comforting and wonderfully exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is the first step toward making this recipe shine. Each item plays a key role in delivering layers of taste, balancing savory, sweet, acidic, and nutty notes while adding texture and color to the final dish.
- 300g sirloin steak: Choose a good-quality cut for tenderness and flavor that holds up well to quick searing.
- 2 tbsp white miso paste: Offers that quintessential umami depth with a mild, slightly sweet profile perfect for marinades.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds saltiness and an extra dimension of savory taste.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings brightness and acidity to cut through the richness.
- 1 tbsp honey: Balances the salt and acidity with a natural sweetness.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a toasty, nutty aroma and richness.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Imparts a sharp, pungent flavor that melds beautifully with ginger.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds zesty warmth and a refreshing bite.
- 150g soba noodles: These buckwheat noodles provide a delightfully chewy texture and subtle earthiness.
- ½ cucumber, julienned: Introduces cool crispness and a refreshing crunch.
- 1 medium carrot, julienned: Offers sweetness and a vibrant pop of orange color.
- ½ cup red cabbage, shredded: Brings gorgeous purple hue and a slight peppery note.
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced: Adds gentle onion fragrance and a touch of freshness.
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds: Provide a nutty crunch and a pretty finish.
How to Make Miso Steak with Noodle Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Miso Marinade and Dressing
Start by whisking together the white miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth. This concoction is your magical umami-packed marinade and dressing. Use half of this mixture to coat the sirloin steak evenly, then let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to soak up those complex flavors. Keep the remaining half aside; it will be the vibrant dressing to tie your salad together.
Step 2: Cook and Chill the Soba Noodles
Next, boil your soba noodles according to the package’s instructions—this usually takes just a few minutes. Once cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This step prevents the noodles from becoming mushy and helps maintain their distinct, chewy texture when tossed with the salad.
Step 3: Toss the Noodle Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled soba noodles with the crunchy julienned cucumber, sweet carrot, shredded red cabbage, and thinly sliced spring onions. Pour the reserved miso dressing over this colorful medley and toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring each strand and veggie is beautifully coated with the flavorful dressing.
Step 4: Sear the Marinated Steak
Heat a pan until it’s very hot and sear the marinated sirloin steak for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Searing locks in juices and creates that irresistible caramelized crust. After cooking, let the steak rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices, then slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Finally, arrange those juicy steak slices gracefully atop the vibrant noodle salad. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds to add a nutty crunch and a finishing touch of elegance. This dish is ready to delight both eyes and palate!
How to Serve Miso Steak with Noodle Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation and flavor by adding fresh garnishes like extra toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced chili for a hint of heat, or even a few sprigs of cilantro or fresh coriander. These add bursts of color and layers of taste that brighten the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe is wonderfully complete on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed edamame, pickled vegetables, or a light miso soup to create a rounded Asian-inspired meal that feels both fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the steak and noodle salad in individual bowls or jars layered attractively. Alternatively, you can wrap thin steak slices and salad inside large lettuce leaves for a handheld outdoor gathering snack that feels fresh and effortless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover miso steak and noodle salad keep well in the fridge for up to two days when stored in an airtight container. It’s best to keep the steak slices separate from the salad to maintain texture and reassemble before eating.
Freezing
While the steak itself can be frozen separately for up to two months, the noodle salad does not freeze well due to its fresh vegetable content, which can become soggy and lose crunchiness upon thawing.
Reheating
For reheating steak, gently warm in a pan over medium heat for a minute or two to avoid overcooking. The noodle salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so avoid reheating it.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, flank or ribeye steaks also work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and cut to avoid overcooking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the Miso Steak with Noodle Salad Recipe?
Yes! Swap the steak for grilled marinated tofu or tempeh, using the same miso marinade to infuse it with deep umami flavors for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Can I make the marinade and dressing ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the miso marinade and dressing in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. This also allows flavors to develop further, enhancing the taste of the dish.
What type of noodles works best in this salad?
Soba noodles are perfect for their firm texture and nutty flavor, but you can substitute rice noodles or thin wheat noodles if preferred. Just cook according to package instructions and rinse well with cold water.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add more heat?
This recipe is mild by default but incredibly adaptable! To add spice, incorporate sliced fresh chili, a dash of chili oil, or sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes either in the dressing or as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Miso Steak with Noodle Salad Recipe — the way the flavors layer, the textures contrast, and the freshness sings with every bite. It’s a dish that’s as satisfying to eat as it is to share with friends or family. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy the all-around joy it brings to the table!
Print
Miso Steak with Noodle Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
A flavorful Miso Steak served over a refreshing soba noodle salad tossed with fresh vegetables and a savory miso dressing. This dish combines the rich umami of marinated sirloin steak with crisp, vibrant vegetables and nutty sesame seeds for a delightful and balanced meal.
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 Marinade: Whisk together white miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. Use half of this mixture to marinate the sirloin steak for at least 30 minutes, keeping the remaining half reserved as a dressing for the salad.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the soba noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 4–5 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
- Make Noodle Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled soba noodles, julienned cucumber, carrot, shredded red cabbage, and sliced spring onions. Toss everything with the reserved miso dressing to evenly coat the salad ingredients.
- Cook Steak: Heat a pan over high heat and sear the marinated sirloin steak for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until it develops a rich, caramelized crust. Remove from the pan and let the steak rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain for tenderness. Arrange the sliced steak on top of the noodle salad and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the steak for longer, up to 2 hours, for enhanced flavor.
- Ensure the pan is very hot before searing to get a nice crust on the steak.
- Rinsing the soba noodles with cold water prevents them from becoming sticky.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free if required.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm steak and cool salad.
