Soba Noodles with Shrimp

Soba Noodles with Shrimp Recipe from Asia | Ingredients: soba, peanut butter, cabbage, carrots, edamame, ginger, garlic, chicken broth, shrimp, Hoisin sauce, chili sauce, cilantro, cooking spray

Region / culture: Asia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Soba noodles with shrimp is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of tender shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a savory peanut sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Soba noodles are a type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. They have been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries and are known for their nutty flavor and chewy texture. This recipe combines the traditional flavors of soba noodles with a modern twist by adding shrimp and a peanut sauce.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) soba noodles or whole-wheat spaghetti
0.25 cup natural crunchy peanut butter
4 cup shredded cabbage
2 cup shredded carrots
1 cup edamame, shelled and thawed
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
0.5 cup chicken broth
1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and uncooked
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tsp chili sauce or 1 tsp red chili paste
0.25 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Non-stick cooking spray

How to prepare

Cook the noodles. Drain and rinse. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
In a small saucepan, combine the garlic, ginger, chicken broth, peanut butter, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce. Cook on low heat, stirring until the peanut butter is blended.
Spray non-stick spray in a large frying pan. Add the cabbage, carrots, and edamame. Cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the shrimp and sauce mixture and cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 5 minutes.
Pour the mixture over the noodles and mix until the noodles are well coated. Top with fresh cilantro (optional) and serve.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the shrimp for a different protein option.
Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
Use almond butter or tahini instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles according to the package instructions to ensure they are cooked al dente.

- Make sure to thaw the edamame before adding it to the dish.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soba noodles with shrimp hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the noodles until al dente, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

- Stir-fry the vegetables and shrimp in a hot pan to quickly cook them while retaining their crunch and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of noodles you prefer, such as rice noodles or udon noodles.

- Swap out the vegetables for any you have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas.

- Use soy sauce or oyster sauce instead of hoisin sauce for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

- Cook the noodles and store them separately to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soba noodles with shrimp in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha sauce. - Arrange the noodles on a platter and top with the shrimp and vegetables for a family-style presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Serve with a side of pickled ginger or kimchi for a tangy contrast to the savory flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- To reheat, place the noodles in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

400

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 7g

Fats

- Total Fat: 14g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 30g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120%

- Vitamin C: 40%

- Calcium: 10%

- Iron: 20%

Alergens

Contains peanuts and shellfish

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and can be a healthy addition to your diet.

Summary

Soba noodles with shrimp is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is easy to make and packed with nutrients. With a savory peanut sauce, tender shrimp, and crunchy vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Soba Noodles with Shrimp. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl with a passion for cooking. I had always loved experimenting in the kitchen, trying out new recipes and techniques to create delicious dishes for my family.

One day, I was browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my grandmother. The pages were yellowed and worn, but the recipes within were a treasure trove of culinary delights. As I flipped through the pages, one particular recipe caught my eye - Soba Noodles with Shrimp.

I had never heard of soba noodles before, but the combination of tender shrimp and savory sauce sounded irresistible to me. I knew I had to try making it for myself. I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she told me that she had learned it from a friend who had traveled to Japan many years ago.

Excited to try my hand at making this exotic dish, I set out to gather the ingredients. Soba noodles, shrimp, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and scallions - I made a list and headed to the market to purchase everything I needed. Back then, finding these ingredients was not as easy as it is today, but I was determined to make this dish no matter what.

Once I had all the ingredients in hand, I set to work in the kitchen. I boiled the soba noodles until they were tender, then quickly rinsed them under cold water to stop the cooking process. In a hot wok, I sautéed the shrimp with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce until they were cooked through and coated in a delicious sauce.

I then tossed the noodles in the shrimp mixture, adding in sliced scallions for a pop of color and freshness. The aroma that filled the kitchen was unlike anything I had ever smelled before - a tantalizing blend of savory, salty, and sweet.

When I finally plated the dish and took my first bite, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. The earthy flavor of the soba noodles paired perfectly with the tender shrimp and the rich sauce that coated every strand. It was a dish unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I was proud to have made it with my own two hands.

From that day on, Soba Noodles with Shrimp became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for special occasions, for family dinners, and even just for myself when I craved something comforting and delicious. Each time I made it, I would think back to that moment of curiosity that had first led me to discover the recipe, and I would be grateful for the journey it had taken me on.

Now, as I sit here and write this story, I am reminded of all the recipes I have learned over the years - from my grandmother, from cookbooks, from friends and family. Each one has a story behind it, a memory that brings it to life. And for me, Soba Noodles with Shrimp will always hold a special place in my heart as the dish that sparked my curiosity and led me on a culinary adventure that I will never forget.