This cold dinner idea is perfect for summer. We enjoyed this cold cucumber crab noodle bowl after mowing the lawn. It filled us up without heating us up, and it only required 2 1/2 minutes of cooking!
The serving size on these bowls is on the large size. I used this meal as post-work out dinner, so lots of carbs and protein were appreciated. However, the recipe as written could be split into 3 servings for a lighter meal.
The ginger miso sauce that I used for this recipe could have many applications. It was so tasty, I will be trying it as a dip, and a salad dressing. Other ideas are welcome!
Miso is an awesome ingredient that you definitely need to try if you haven’t. It is fermented, so it lasts forever in the fridge. You don’t need to worry about buying another ingredient that will just sit in the fridge and go bad.
Variations to the Cold Cucumber Crab Noodle Bowl recipe:
- Use your favorite seafood. I used imitation crab in this recipe for many reasons. It is inexpensive, tasty, and easy to use because it doesn’t require cooking. Other options you could try might be shrimp or scallops!
- Make it vegan! Instead of the crab, choose another protein, such as chickpeas or tempeh. Season and cook to taste.
- Swap in garlic for ginger. I don’t always have ginger on hand, but I do always have garlic. You could try the sauce with the garlic if you are in the same boat as me 😉
- Try a different noodle. I found buckwheat soba noodles on sale and have been loving their flavor! Spaghetti noodles, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles would work in a pinch.
- 6 oz buckwheat soba noodles
- Splash olive oil
- 1½ cups diced cucumber
- 8 oz package flaked imitation crab
- 2 TBS each: olive oil and rice vinegar
- 1 TBS each: minced ginger and white miso paste
- 1 tsp each: reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari and sesame oil
- Peanuts
- Cilantro
- Sesame seeds
- Cook soba noodles. I prefer to boil mine for half the time on the package for a more al dente noodle, therefore I cooked for 2½ minutes. Drain and rinse well under cold water. Toss with a splash of olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking together.
- In a mini food processor combine all ingredients for the dressing. Process until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Layer in 2 bowls: soba noodles, diced cucumbers, and crab. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with your desired toppings (lots of peanuts for me!)
Looks so refreshing!
I love a cold meal on a hot day! Thanks Lin!