Sesame Lime Soba Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms & Snow Peas

Recipe from eat, drink & be vegan.

Tender soba noodles combined with meaty shiitake mushrooms, crisp snow peas, and a vibrant sauce flavoured with lime, ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil. Zesty, fragrant, healthy, and entirely delicious!

1 package (1/2 lb - 225 g) soba noodles
2 tsp (10 mL) olive oil
5 to 6 oz (140 to 170 g) shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, cut in halves or thirds
1/4 lb (125 g) snow peas, ends trimmed, sliced lengthwise in thirds
1 tsp (5 mL) tamari
1 cup (250 mL) green onions, chopped
2 Tbsp (30 mL) black sesame seeds, or toasted or raw sesame seeds
1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Lime wedges and toasted sesame oil (for finishing)

Sauce
1 Tbsp (15 mL) hoisin sauce
3 1/2 Tbsp (50 mL) tamari
1 1/2 Tbsp (20 mL) fresh ginger, chopped
2 large cloves garlic
3 Tbsp (45 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice
2 Tbsp (30 mL) apple cider vinegar
2 1/2 Tbsp (35 mL) toasted sesame oil (don't substitute untoasted)
3 Tbsp (45 mL) agave nectar 

In blender, purée sauce ingredients until smooth.

Cook soba noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in deep frying pan or large pot, heat oil on high. Add mushrooms; saute for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly sear; add snow peas and tamari; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, tossing to lightly sear vegetables. Remove from heat and toss in green onions.

Drain noodles (don’t rinse) and add to mushrooms and snow peas. Add sauce and toss to distribute through hot noodles. Add sesame seeds and cilantro; toss again and serve with lime wedge and drizzle of toasted sesame oil.

Makes 3 to 4 servings.

Peanut Passion Sauce

Recipe from eat, drink & be vegan.

This sauce is a must in your recipe repertoire. You can alternate nut butters, using peanut, cashew, or almond butter for variety, and it is big on flavors with ginger, garlic, and the vibrant kick of fresh lime juice. This makes an easy, quick dinner tossed with cooked noodles and vegetables, but can also be served many other ways, including over grains, tossed into cold salads, or served as a dip!

MAKES ABOUT 1 CUP.

1/2 cup natural smooth peanut butter (see note)
3 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp ginger, peeled and cut in small chunks (see note)
2 medium cloves garlic, halved (see note)
1/8 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or more if you like the ‘heat’!)
3 1/2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice (zest lime before juicing, see below)
2 1/2 tbsp agave nectar
2 tsp lime zest (see note)
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
warm or hot water, plain non-dairy milk, or light coconut milk (to thin sauce as desired, see note)
In a food processor, blender, or with a handblender and a deep cup, combine all ingredients except cilantro and water or milk and purée until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. (If not using a processor, first grate garlic and ginger, then whisk all ingredients together in a large bowl.) If serving as a dip, keep sauce thick. Stir in cilantro, or use as a garnish. If using sauce to toss with soba noodles, steamed vegetables, or to drizzle on grains or greens, add water or plain non-dairy milk to thin as desired, and use fresh cilantro as garnish (see notes).

Notes:

1) You can substitute almond or cashew butter in place of peanut butter for variety, or if peanut allergies are a concern.

2) If using this sauce as a dip for raw veggies, you can reduce the garlic and ginger to taste so the heat won’t be as intense.

3) For soba noodles: Using an 8-oz (230-g) package of noodles, toss ¾ cup Peanut Passion Sauce and ¼ - 1/3 cup plain non-dairy milk or light coconut milk (or a combination of milk and water) with cooked noodles. After noodles sit, you may need to add more milk or water, since they will absorb sauce. Add steamed broccoli or other veggies, top with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

4) To make an instant bean dip: Purée ¾–1 cup white beans or chickpeas with ¼ - 1/3 cup Peanut Passion Sauce. Add 1–2 tsp lime juice to taste, and 2–3 tsp water to thin, and 1 extra tsp sesame oil if desired. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.