Best Recipes Ever - Soba Noodles with Pea Shoots and Shiitakes

This makes a great vegetarian main course salad or side dish served with grilled meat.

Ingredients:

1 pkg (8 oz/250 g) soba noodles (Japanese buckwheat noodles)
1 tbsp (15 mL) sesame oil
1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetabIe oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
10 oz (283 g) shiitake mushrooms, stemmed & sliced
12 oz (340 g) snow pea shoots, (about 8 cups/2L)
1/3 cup (75 mL) light mayonnaise
1/4 cup (50 mL) sodium-reduced soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 mL) rice vinegar
1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) hot sauce or sambal oelek, (optional)

Preparation:

In large pot of boiling water, cook soba noodles, stirring gently, until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain well and transfer to large bowl.

In wok or large skillet, heat half each of the sesame and vegetable oils over medium-high heat; sautee garlic until fragrant, about 15 seconds.

Add mushrooms; sautee until tender, about 4 minutes. Add to noodles.

In wok, heat remaining oils; stir-fry pea shoots until wilted and tender, about 5 minutes. Add to noodle mixture.

Whisk together mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sambal oelek (if using); pour over noodle mixture, tossing to coat. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Tip: Look for soba noodles in the sushi or Asian section of natural food and grocery stores.

Servings: 6

Tags: mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sambal oelek, sesame oil, shiitake mushrooms, snow pea shoots, soba noodles