Ginger Shiitake Noodles Food

GINGER NOODLES WITH KALE & SHIITAKES

Steps:

• Prepare your noodles - if you're using the shiratake noodles, they don't need to be cooked, but drain and rinse them. They have sort of a funky smell, so I recommend shocking them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Then drain and rinse (again) in cold water. Set aside until you're ready to use them.
• In a large skillet (I used a stainless one where the sides of it are 4 or so inches high), splash a bit of olive oil. When it's hot, add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they have wilted down, 5 or so minutes. Toss in the kale, ginger, garlic, and scallions. Sauté for a few minutes until the kale starts to wilt down but the garlic is not burning. Turn the heat down if garlic and ginger are starting to burn.
• Add the broth, edamame, and noodles and simmer for a few minutes. If your veggies are soaking up all your broth, add more.
• Turn off the heat and stir in the soy sauce, basil, mint, lime juice, and red pepper flakes, if using. Taste and adjust seasonings.
• Ladle in to bowls and finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Top with cooked salmon, if using.
• To cook the salmon: Season the fish with salt, pepper, and olive oil and press some sesame seeds on top. In a hot skillet, place the salmon, sesame seed side down, and sear so a light crust forms - 2 or so minutes. Some sesame seeds will fall off, that's ok. Flip the salmon and continue cooking until it's more (but not completely) opaque in the middle, about 4-6 more minutes. Serve on top of bowls of ginger noodles. Sprinkle with more sesame seeds if some have fallen off.

UDON NOODLES WITH SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS IN GINGER BROTH

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add noodles, and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 8 minutes. Drain in a colander, toss with sesame oil, and return to pot. Keep warm.
• Meanwhile, in a medium saute pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add ginger, shallots, and mushrooms; cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to soften and turn golden brown, about 2 minutes.
• Stir chicken stock, vinegar, and soy sauce into pan, and bring to a simmer. Cook until mushrooms are very tender, about 5 minutes. Add spinach and scallions, and stir to combine. To serve, divide noodles among four shallow bowls; ladle soup over noodles.

MUSTARD GREENS AND UDON NOODLES WITH SHIITAKE-GINGER SAUCE

Steps:

• Bring 5 quarts water to boil in a big pot.
• Bring broth, vinegar, mirin, mushrooms, ginger, chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
• Simmer briskly until liquid thickens and reduces by half, 8-10 minutes.
• Off heat, remove ginger using a slotted spoon.
• Season broth with salt and pepper to taste and cover to keep warm.
• Meanwhile, add 1 tablespoon salt and greens to boiling water; cook until greens are almost tender, 2-4 minutes.
• Add in noodles, stir to separate, and cook until both greens and noodles are tender, about 2 minutes longer.
• Reserving ¼ cup noodle cooking water, drain noodles and greens, and return to pot.
• Add sauce and reserved cooking water to pot; cook over med-low heat, stirring to meld flavors, about 1 minute.
• Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper; serve immediately.
• **If you cannot find fresh udon noodles, then use dry; add them to the pot of boiling water in step 6 first; cook for about 3minutes, then add the greens and continue cooking until both the noodles and greens are tender, another 2-3 minutes.

GINGER NOODLES

Steps:

• Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
• In a small bowl, whisk together all remaining ingredients.
• Place hot cooked spaghetti in a large bowl, add the sauce mixture and toss to coat.
• Serve warm.