Nameko Soba with Sesame Soy Sauce

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) nameko mushrooms 200g (7 oz) nameko mushrooms
• 200g (7 oz) soba noodles 200g (7 oz) soba noodles
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake 1 tablespoon sake
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside.
3. 3.
   Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the nameko mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.
4. 4.
   Pour the sesame soy sauce mixture over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked soba noodles to the skillet and toss gently to combine with the mushrooms and sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until the noodles are heated through.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
7. 7.
   Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of Nameko Soba.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Nameko mushrooms — Make sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the stems if necessary.
• Soba noodles — Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions, but be careful not to overcook them as they can become mushy. Rinse them with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, sprinkle some tempura flakes or crushed roasted peanuts on top of the dish before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle some chili oil over the finished dish.
• Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or enoki, to create your own unique flavor profile.
• To make it heartier, add some cooked chicken or tofu to the dish.
• Leftovers can be enjoyed cold as a refreshing noodle salad the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Nameko Soba hot in individual bowls, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Accompany it with a side of pickled ginger or a simple cucumber salad to refresh the palate.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, arrange the soba noodles neatly in the center of the bowl and top them with the sautéed nameko mushrooms. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for an added pop of color.