Real Food, 11: Soba Noodles with shrimp and broccoli

Soba noodles. Have you heard of these? I had not, before finding this recipe, and I am sad about that. Why, you ask? Because, friends, soba noodles are delicious. Soba noodles are Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour. I found them at the grocery store in the Asian food section. Yum. This dish is fast and really fresh tasting. A perfect summer dish!

Soba Noodles with Shrimp and Broccoli

adapted from Food and Wine

Ingredients:

6 oz. soba noodles

1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets

6 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce

1 tsp. agave syrup (or honey)

3 Tbsp. cooking oil (I like Safflower)

2 shallots, thinly sliced and separated into rings

6 garlic cloves, chopped

1 tsp. grated lime zest

2 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lime juice

1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 scallions, chopped

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

salt to taste

additional cooking oil for sautéing

lime wedges, for serving

Directions:

1. In a skillet, heat about 1 Tbsp. cooking oil over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until crispy and golden brown. Remove from pan using a slotted spoon and place onto a plate lined with a paper towel to drain. Repeat process with the garlic.

2. Boil noodles according to package directions. Remove noodles from water using tongs and rinse with cold water. Don't throw out the water!! Return water to boiling and add the broccoli. Boil until tender.

3. Whisk together soy sauce, 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, and agave syrup (or honey) in a medium bowl. Add noodles and toss. Set aside.

4. Combine lime juice, lime zest, and remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss the shrimp in the mixture and season with salt. Sauté shrimp over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, or until pink.

5. Place noodles onto the serving plates. Sprinkle with the scallions, cilantro, garlic, shallots, and crushed red pepper flakes. Top with the shrimp and broccoli. Garnish with lime wedges, if desired.

Enjoy!