Cold Sesame Noodle Salad

Description
This recipe was in my Inbox one morning, and it's become one of my favorite dishes. It's supposed to be a side dish, but it's very good for indulging late at night on your own when you feel like a midnight nosh.



Ingredients

 * ¼ cup sesame seeds
 * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
 * 2 tablespoons soy sauce
 * 2 tablespoons mirin (rice wine)
 * 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * 8 ounces soba noodles
 * 3 medium radishes, cut into ⅛ inch rounds and then into ⅛ inch strips
 * 2 medium scallions, trimmed and sliced thin on bias
 * ½ cup bean sprouts

Directions

 * 1) Toast the sesame seeds in a small skillet over medium-high heat until lightly browned, about 2½ minutes.
 * 2) Set 1 tablespoon seeds aside.
 * 3) Place the remaining seeds in the jar of a blender.
 * 4) Add the oil and process on low speed for 10 seconds.
 * 5) Scrape down the sides of the blender and process for another 10 seconds.
 * 6) Add the soy sauce, mirin, and vinegar and process to combine, about 5 seconds.
 * 7) Set the dressing aside.
 * 8) Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a medium pot.
 * 9) Add the salt and soba noodles and boil until al dente, about 4 minutes.
 * 10) Drain the noodles in a colander and return them to the cooking pot.
 * 11) Add cold water to the pot, swishing the noodles around to wash away the starch.
 * 12) Drain well.
 * 13) Transfer the noodles to a large mixing bowl and toss with the dressing.
 * 14) Let stand 5 minutes.
 * 15) Add the radishes, scallions, sprouts, and reserved tablespoon sesame seeds and toss to combine.
 * 16) Serve immediately.