I have news that is almost as awesome-sauce as this recipe. I mean just look at this.
Oh yes. Anyway, I've discovered an online language learning program. Maybe you've heard of it (apparently I live in a cave...oh wait, no, just Alaska...) it's called Duolingo. Think of it like a free "Rosetta Stone"...and It.Is.Awesome. No ads either and Ashton Kutcher invested in them, oh la la! Meh, he actually doesn't do much for me.
But Duolingo does! I'm seriously addicted to it! You can learn English, Spanish, German, French, Italian or Portuguese. My bestest friend, Gracie, told me about it on Saturday and I have been non-stop Duolingo-ing it all weekend! I'm learning German because I've always wanted to go to Germany and Switzerland. Todd is learning Spanish, and I have a couple other friends learning Spanish and French! You can also connect to Facebook and compete with your buds, which of course I love. Unfortunately for me I have a friend who is pretty much fluent in all of them...you know who you are. I'll never beat him. He's unstoppable.
Seriously, it's crazy addictive and insanely fun! So stop spending all your free time playing Candy Crush, whatever that is (I still don't know) and learn a new language instead! When I am fluent in German, Todd and I are going to reward said awesomeness by vacationing in Germany (or should I say Deutschland! Hah!)...so needless to say I've put the track shoes on for this one. I can't stop learning German! It's a good problem to have, I suppose, so seriously go check it out. Just look at the little Duolingo owl!
I know it seems like I am probably being compensated for this, because I am so super psyched about it (and there is nothing I hate more than shamelessly plugging something for your own personal gain). However, I want to reassure you that infact, that is not the case. I have not been contacted by the Duolingo people, nor have I contacted them. I just freaking love it. Can't a girl be obsessed with learning? You'll see what I mean.
Anyways, that was kind of off topic and yes, maybe I had to give myself a pep talk to do this post because I couldn't pry myself away from Duolingo...but, I'm almost a level 5, you guys! Seriously. Don't worry though I still love you all.
Anyway...what can I say about this Soba Noodle Stir-Fry? Not only is it gorgeous but it's super healthy and super delicious, especially because it's made with soba noodles and love. I mean really, who is hating on soba noodles? No one. I have yet to meet someone who hates soba noodles, and if it's you...don't you dare comment on this post. Just kidding. This stir-fry's got tofu too, broccoli and carrots, spinach, mint and basil, garlic, ginger and a whole bunch of other nutritious goodies! So go make it! Then go to Duolingo and try learning a new language. You'll feel so smart. So, so smart.
Isn't it lovely? It tastes lovely too!
Soba Noodle Stir-Fry
Inspired by the beautiful Simple Veganista
Serves 4
- -- For the Dish --
- 12 oz. extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and cubed
- 1 small head of broccoli
- 2 large carrots, sliced on the diagonal
- 3 scallions, sliced
- fresh mint , small handful
- fresh basil, small handful
- 1 -2 giant handfuls of spinach
- 1/2 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 12 oz. soba noodles
- sprinkle of sesame seeds, for garnish
- -- For the Marinade --
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. water
- 2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 inch knob ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp. fresh chili paste
First, press the tofu. I know, I know...but seriously, just do it. The tofu will soak up the marinade much better if it's pressed. Here's an easy way to do it and you don't even need any fanciness! Get a clean dish towel, a paper towel, a cutting board and a heavy book. Place the tofu (uncut!) on one half of the paper towel and fold it over. Place the paper towel wrapped tofu on one half of the dish towel and fold over. Place the bundle of tofu on an even table or counter, place the board atop it and then on top of that set something heavy.
I like to use a giant book or two...I have also been known to use a potted house plant...this is dangerous and I simply cannot recommend it. Use a book, trust me. Allow the tofu to press for about 30 minutes. Take this time to cut up the broccoli and carrots, gather the fresh herbs and prepare the marinade.
To prep the marinade, just combine all of the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Once to tofu is done pressing, cube it up and add it to the bowl. Ensure that all the cubes are submerged and allow to sit for about 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate if you wish.
Whew! Now that that's out of the way, bring a large pot of water to boil. Once boiling, add the soba noodles. They only take about 5 minutes (check your noodle package) so put them in at the very end! Boil for the directed time, and then drain.
While the water comes to a boil, heat the sesame oil in a medium frying pan. Add the carrots, broccoli and spinach and saute for about 5 minutes. After the 5 minutes, add in a couple tablespoons of the marinade and continue to cook for another couple of minutes, ensuring that the marinade doesn't burn and stick to the bottom of the pan.
Once the veggies are cooked and the pasta is done and drained, add everything into the pasta pot with the noodles including the veggies, tofu, herbs and the remaining marinade. Stir well to combine. Serve warm and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh herbs.
- -- For the Dish --
- 12 oz. extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and cubed
- 1 small head of broccoli
- 2 large carrots, sliced on the diagonal
- 3 scallions, sliced
- fresh mint , small handful
- fresh basil, small handful
- 1 -2 giant handfuls of spinach
- 1/2 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 12 oz. soba noodles
- sprinkle of sesame seeds, for garnish
- -- For the Marinade --
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. water
- 2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 inch knob ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp. fresh chili paste
- First, allow the tofu to press for about 30 minutes.Take this time to cut up the broccoli and carrots, gather the fresh herbs and prepare the marinade.
- To prep the marinade, combine all of the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Once to tofu is done pressing, cube it up and add it to the bowl. Ensure that all the cubes are submerged and allow to sit for about 30 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Once boiling, add the soba noodles and cook according to package. They don't take very long so add them at the end. Drain.
- While the water comes to a boil, heat the sesame oil in a medium frying pan. Add the carrots, broccoli and spinach and saute for about 5 minutes.
- After the 5 minutes, add in a couple tablespoons of the marinade and continue to cook for another couple of minutes.
- Once the veggies are cooked and the pasta is done, add everything to the pasta pot with the noodles including the veggies, tofu, herbs and the marinade.
- Stir well to combine. Serve warm and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh herbs.
This post may have been crafted super fast in order to return to Duolingo as quick as possible. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me.
