In Season :: Sesame & Shiitake Soba Noodles

Jeanine here, and today I’m sharing my go-to meal of the moment: cold soba. I made a big bowl of this as a side dish with dinner last week, and then ate it for lunch the next two days in a row. And when I ran out, I made it again. It not only keeps well in the fridge, but it’s one of those things that seems to taste better the second day.

The flavors here are pretty simple. Toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar and soy sauce lightly coat the noodles without covering up the nutty flavor of the soba itself. I quickly cooked some shiitakes & cabbage, but you could just as easily use whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Toss in some scallions & sesame seeds and enjoy!

Sesame & Shiitake Soba Noodles

serves 2 as a main course, 3-4 as a side

Ingredients:

• 4-6 ounces soba noodles
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• splash of olive oil or vegetable oil for the pan (you don’t want to heat sesame oil)
• 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 cups raw shredded napa cabbage
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• good splash of soy sauce (start with about a tablespoon, add more if necessary)
• 1-2 teaspoons of mirin (optional)
• good splash of rice vinegar (a few tablespoons)
• a teaspoon or so of sriracha (optional)
• a few tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the soba noodles in salted boiling water for about 8-12 minutes, or until they’re done but still al dente.
2. When soba noodles are done, rinse under cold water. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Toss the noodles with a tablespoon of sesame oil and chill the noodles in the fridge. The sesame oil will keep them from becoming gummy.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat the olive oil. Add shiitake mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally until they begin to wilt down. Add garlic, cabbage, half the scallions and soy sauce and cook for another few minutes. Add the mirin to deglaze and cook until everything is soft. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for a few minutes.
4. Toss the veggies with the soba noodles and the rest of the scallions.
5. Add a good splash of rice vinegar and some sriracha. Taste and add more soy sauce and rice vinegar to your liking.
6. Serve at room temp, or chill until ready to serve.
7. Top with sesame seeds.

Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a few days.

*photos & recipe by Love & Lemons