Shiitake Bowls with Miso Broth

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mushrooms

   5 min hands-on57 min waiting

   • Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan).
   • Tear or cut the dried shiitake mushrooms into roughly 1cm pieces and soak in warm water for 20-30 minutes until softened.
   • Drain and squeeze out excess water.
   • Spread the mushrooms on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and half the tamari, and sprinkle with black pepper.
   • Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and slightly crispy.

2. Cook the Eggs

   3 min hands-on7 min waiting

   • Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil.
   • Lower in the whole eggs and simmer for 7 minutes for a soft-set yolk.
   • Transfer the eggs to cold water to stop cooking, then peel and set aside.

3. Prepare the Noodles and Edamame

   2 min hands-on8 min waiting

   • Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot.
   • Add soba noodles and frozen edamame, cooking according to noodle package instructions, stirring occasionally.
   • Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside.

4. Make the Silky Miso Broth

   4 min hands-on3 min waiting

   • Blend firm tofu with water until smooth and creamy.
   • Transfer to a medium saucepan over medium heat and add vegetable broth, stirring to incorporate.
   • Dissolve miso paste into the broth using a small sieve and spoon.
   • Stir in the remaining tamari and adjust seasoning to taste, warming gently without boiling.

5. Slice the Toppings

   1 min hands-on

   • Thinly slice the welsh onions for garnish.

6. Assemble the Bowls

   3 min hands-on

   • Divide soba noodles and edamame among serving bowls.
   • Ladle warm miso broth over the noodles.
   • Top with roasted shiitake mushrooms and halved eggs.
   • Garnish with sliced welsh onions, chili oil, and sesame seeds.
   • Cooking tips:
   • For extra umami, add a splash of mushroom soaking liquid to the broth, straining it first to remove grit.
   • Enhance roasted mushrooms with a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed garlic before baking.
   • For a spicier kick, increase chili oil or add red pepper flakes to the broth.
   • To achieve silky noodles, toss them lightly in sesame oil after rinsing to prevent sticking and add flavor.