9.12.2010

pea shoot and shitake soba noodle bowl

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Have you ever used pea shoots in your cooking? I spied these pea shoots at Trader Joe's a few days ago and they were so stinkin' cute, I just couldn't resist buying them. Pea shoots are used quite often in Asian cooking. In fact, one of the serving suggestions on the box was stir fry. It also suggested putting them into a salad or sandwich. I did try the sandwich idea but thought they were a bit tough to chew. I decided a stir fry was the better way to go. I grabbed some shitake mushrooms and soba noodles as well and got to wok...uh, I mean work. tee-hee.

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I used chicken in this recipe but tofu would be awesome as well. I think I'll go with tofu next time. It's nice to go meatless a few times a week.

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I also had some dried morels in my freezer that I had been wanting to put into something yummy. I let them soak in some hot water for a few minutes to reconstitute them. They were a gift from the oh-so-talented, DoggyBloggy of Chez What?. If you haven't been over to Chez What? yet, be sure to stop over and check out all of the amazing goodness!

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This stir fry was quick and easy. Great for a busy weeknight meal!

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Pea Shoot and Shitake Soba Noodle Bowl
by theUngourmet

Serves about 4

2 boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (or extra firm tofu)

Marinade
1 Tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp chili oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1 Tbsp honey or agave

1-2 Tbsp canola oil
1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
1 cup sliced shitake mushrooms (I also added in about 10 small morels, sliced in half.)
4 oz pea shoots (This equaled about 3 cups.)
9 oz package soba noodles
black and toasted sesame seeds

Combine the chicken or tofu with marinade ingredients. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Cook soba noodles according to directions on package. Rinse briefly and toss with a bit of sesame oil.

Heat canola oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir fry about 30 seconds. Add the chicken or tofu, saving the marinade. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and stir fry for another 1-2 minutes. Add the marinade and stir fry for 2-3 more minutes. Add the pea shoots and stir-fry for about 1 more minute to wilt. Serve over hot soba noodles.

Garnish with black and toasted sesame seeds.

Print recipe

I am submitting my recipe for this month's Regional Recipe Challenge: Japan.

Hope you all are having a most lovely week!





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21 comments:

Mary Bergfeld said...

Stir fry would be a great option, but I suspect they'll never get as tender as you might hope. You get extra points for experimentation. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

Cailin @ Stir Crazy said...

I saw pea shoots recently and was also wondering what I would do with them... now I know :) This stir-fry looks wonderful, light and flavorful. I like the idea of using tofu. Beautiful photos too!

chow and chatter said...

wow this looks wonderful and so flavorful

Barbara said...

I've never tried them, Kim. Stir fry sounds the way to go if they're tough to chew. Too bad, because they'd be fabulous on a sandwich.

Randi Troxell said...

oh goodness.. i love food such as this!!

it looks like it would be marvelous!!

Monet said...

Kim,
What a beautiful and unique stir-fry recipe. This is something I would have never thought of, and the results look just wonderful. Way to step outside the box and try something new!

Emily Z said...

I just made a noodle bowl myself! Unfortunately, my husband loathes mushrooms, so this one would not go over well with him. But it sure sounds delicious to me!

Magic of Spice said...

Looks amazingly good...I actually have some pea shoots in my fridge... They are great, I snack on them raw :)

TKW said...

I've never had pea shoots, but they sure look great in this stir fry!

The Blonde Duck said...

I don't even know what a pea shoot is!

Faith said...

I don't think I've ever had pea shoots! They sound delicious, I bet they're a great addition to this dish!

Julia said...

I've not seen those at TJ's. I'm thinking they must be like sprouts only tastier. I love sprouts in Asian foods but somehow never buy them. Must change my evil ways... sigh.

Joanne said...

Whoa you are on the ball with this Regional Recipes entry! Thanks so much for submitting it.

I haven't worked with pea shoots yet because i never really know what to do with them! I am so making this though...I love Asian noodle bowls!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful stir fry, the pea shoots definitely make it look extra pretty. I've never tried cooking with them, but now maybe i will.
have a fab day daaahling!
*kisses* HH

♥peachkins♥ said...

WOW! your soba noodles is teaking my breath away...


The Peach Kitchen
peach and things
blowing peachkisses

Jenn said...

I'm craving for a noodle bowl all of the sudden. :) I haven't had shiitake mushrooms in a long while. It's grocery time.

Jeannie said...

That looks so good! I love the look of it! I don't think we have pea shoots here though.

Lisa said...

Don't they have the cutest things at Trader Joe's? I have never cooked with pea shoots but seeing this I think I might. Your noodle bowl looks truly delicious.

Stella said...

Hey Kim, I missed this-strange! And it looks delicious. I've never even seen pea shoots, but I can tell they are healthy and wonderful (smile). I will keep my eye open for them...
p.s. No I haven't tried Sun Burgers. That's a good name though-they sound tasty;-)

MegSmith @ Cooking.In.College said...

Oh what I wouldn't give to have a Trader Joe's less than 6 hours away from me!

I envy your ingredient availability! You have a great talent for turning those odd (and fabulous) finds into great meals.

polwig said...

Oh My that looks so good.. Are Pea Shoots the same or similar in taste to Mung beans (or whatever those shoots are called?

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