Sansai Soba with Mushroom Tempura

Recipe

Sansai Soba with Mushroom Tempura

Forest Delight Soba: A Wholesome Blend of Wild Greens and Savory Mushroom Tempura

Indulge in the flavors of Japanese cuisine with this Sansai Soba recipe. Sansai, meaning "mountain vegetables," are foraged wild greens that add a unique earthy taste to this dish. Paired with crispy mushroom tempura, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Jan Dec

20 minutes

15 minutes

35 minutes

4 servings

Medium

Vegetarian, Vegan (if using vegetable broth), Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low calorie

Wheat (if using regular soba noodles), Soy (if using regular soy sauce)

Gluten-free (unless using gluten-free soba noodles), Paleo, Keto, High protein, High fat

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 58g, 4g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • 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 vegetable broth, soy sauce, mirin, and cornstarch. Set aside.
  3. 3.
    Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot for frying the mushroom tempura.
  4. 4.
    In a separate pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the Sansai and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.
  5. 5.
    Add the prepared broth mixture to the Sansai pan and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. 6.
    In the meantime, dip the mixed mushrooms in a batter made of equal parts flour and water. Fry them in the hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel.
  7. 7.
    Divide the cooked soba noodles into serving bowls. Pour the Sansai and broth mixture over the noodles.
  8. 8.
    Top with the crispy mushroom tempura and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  9. 9.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • 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.
  • Sansai — If fresh Sansai is not available, you can use dried Sansai that has been rehydrated according to the package instructions.
  • Mushroom tempura — Make sure the oil for frying the tempura is hot enough (around 180°C / 350°F) to ensure a crispy texture. Fry the mushrooms in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Tips & Tricks

  • For added flavor, you can add a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the broth.
  • Experiment with different types of mushrooms to vary the flavors and textures of the tempura.
  • If you prefer a lighter broth, you can dilute the vegetable broth with water.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables such as sliced carrots or snow peas for extra color and nutrients.
  • To make the dish more filling, you can serve it with a side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Sansai Soba hot in individual bowls. Make sure to mix the noodles, Sansai, and broth well before eating to ensure each bite is flavorful. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an added visual appeal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the crispy mushroom tempura on top of the noodles in a visually pleasing manner. Sprinkle some additional sesame seeds and green onions on top for an extra pop of color.