Miso Soba with Sesame Tofu

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

   4 min hands-on15 min waiting

   • Peel and mince the garlic and ginger.
   • Slice the scallions thinly, separating the white parts from the green tops.
   • Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water until softened, then slice them into strips. Reserve the soaking liquid.

2. Cook the Noodles

   2 min hands-on6 min waiting

   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook until done.
   • Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water. Set aside.

3. Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions

   7 min hands-on

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the white parts of the scallions and shiitake mushrooms.
   • Sprinkle with salt and stir-fry until the mushrooms are golden and caramelized.
   • Stir in soy sauce and cook briefly. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4. Build the Broth

   3 min hands-on

   • In the same skillet, add olive oil and lower the heat to medium. Sauté the garlic and ginger until aromatic.
   • Pour in water, the reserved mushroom soaking liquid, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Prepare the Tofu

   2 min hands-on4 min waiting

   • Drain the tofu and crumble it into large bite-sized pieces.
   • Add the tofu to the simmering broth and heat through, being careful not to stir too much.

6. Incorporate the Miso

   2 min hands-on

   • Remove a small amount of hot broth and whisk it with miso paste until smooth.
   • Stir the miso mixture back into the broth, ensuring it is well-combined. Avoid boiling.

7. Assemble the Dish

   3 min hands-on

   • Divide the cooked soba noodles among serving bowls.
   • Ladle the tofu-miso broth over the noodles.
   • Top with the sautéed mushrooms and green parts of the scallions.

8. Garnish and Finish

   1 min hands-on

   • Drizzle chili oil over each bowl.
   • Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
   • Cooking tips:
   • For a creamier broth, blend a portion of the tofu into the broth before adding the crumbled tofu pieces.
   • Toast the sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan over low heat before garnishing to enhance their aroma and flavor.
   • Add a splash of the reserved mushroom soaking liquid to boost the umami depth of the broth.
   • If you prefer more heat, serve with extra chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes on the side.