Tofu, Cauliflower & Greens with Soba Noodles and Miso Tahini Sauce

Soba Noodles in Miso Tahini Sauce

I’ve had a jar of tahini sitting in my pantry for too long. I really should use it more often. My intention when I bought it was to use it in salad dressings and similar sauces, but I just haven’t reached for it until now. I actually never intended to use it in this dish, but it just happened, and I’m glad it did.

I got a couple of bunches of broccoli rabe greens in my CSA and I wanted to include it in dinner. I also had a head of cauliflower begging to be used. Both of these veggies tend to get used as side dishes. I wanted to include both in my main course. So I came up with this soba noodle dish. I love cooking with soba noodles. I buy a gluten free version and they cook up so fast and taste excellent.

 

Tofu, Cauliflower & Greens with Soba Noodles and Miso Tahini Sauce
 
Author:
Recipe type: vegan, dinner, gluten free
Ingredients
  • Soba Noodles
  • 1 pound of extra-firm tofu, cubed and drained
  • 1 tbsp. tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp. coconut oil
  • 2 tsp. sesame oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1.5 tbsp. ginger, chopped
  • 1 head of cauliflower, washed and trimmed
  • 1 bunch of broccoli rabe greens (could also use spinach or swiss chard), washed and chopped
  • 2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper
Miso Tahini Sauce
  • 3 tbsp. tahini
  • 2 tbsp. white miso
  • 1 tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp. ginger, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Boil some salted water in a pot and cook the soba according to the directions on the package. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400.
  3. Mix the tamari and the sesame oil. Mix in to the cubed tofu. Place the tofu on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
  4. Heat up the coconut oil in a large pan. Add in the sesame oil.
  5. Saute the onion, garlic, ginger and shallots for a few minutes to soften.
  6. Break up the cauliflower and add to the pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. Let the cauliflower brown a bit.
  7. One the cauliflower is softer, but still has some bite to it, turn the heat down lower add in the chopped greens.
  8. Add in the red pepper flakes, salt and ground pepper.
  9. In a separate bowl, whisk all of the sauce ingredients together.
  10. To serve, layer the soba noodles then the cauliflower mixture. Then pour the sauce over both. You can garnish with scallions, roasted sesame seeds and additional red pepper flakes if you like.
  11. Enjoy!

Soba Noodles in Miso Tahini Sauce

Braised Chinese Broccoli in Miso Sauce

Chinese Broccoli or kai-lan is unlike our traditional broccoli. It’s more similar to kale or broccoli rabe in consistency and taste. It’s a wonderful and versatile green that goes well in many applications. One of my favorite dishes of all time – pad see ew – features this lovely vegetable.

When I saw it in the store the other day, I committed to trying something new with it. I really wanted to just do a simple braise on it. I decided to try it with a simple miso sauce.  This goes well as a side dish with any protein.

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Braised Chinese Broccoli (Kai-lan) in Miso Sauce
Ingredients:

1 pound of Chinese Broccoli – trim the bottoms
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 tsp. sesame oil
5 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tbsp. chopped ginger

2 tbsp. shiro miso paste
1 tbsp. mirin
1 tbsp. rice vinegar
1 tbsp. dark soy sauce
1/4 cup vegetable broth
red pepper flakes (optional)

Heat a large wok on high. Add the oil. When hot, add the chopped garlic and ginger.

Cook for two minutes until fragrant.

Add in the Chinese Broccoli. Cook for a few minutes.

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While cooking, mix up the rest of the ingredients in a bowl.

Pour sauce over the broccoli. Stir a bit. Cover wok for a couple of minutes.

The broccoli will cook quickly. You don’t want to overcook. Bottoms should be bright green.

Serve on platter. Enjoy!

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