Gomasio Avocado Soba Noodles Recipes

SOBA NOODLES

Steps:

• Cook, drain and rinse noodles.
• Add sauce, stir and let soak in.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

GOMASIO (JAPANESE SESAME SEED CONDIMENT)

Steps:

• NOTE: To save money, buy the sesame seeds either at the Asian market or in the bulk bins at your grocery store. The seaweed is optional. I always add it but omit it if you wish.
• In 10" clean, dry castiron skillet on medium heat lightly toast the salt and seaweed strip. The salt will turn a subtle greyish color.
• At this point, you can remove the kombu strip, cool slightly, then break up into small pieces. Return the seaweed pieces to the pan.
• Add the sesame seeds and toast about another 6-8 minutes or unti the seeds are light golden. Stir constantly while the seeds toast and watch carefully. If the seeds burn, you have to start over. Reduce heat if necessary.
• Remove pan from heat and allow seed mixture to cool.
• Grind the seeds in batches to the consistency of coarse cornmeal. Specifically this means that about 3/4 of the seeds will be ground and the remaining either partially ground or whole.
• Store in airtight container but DO NOT refrigerate. Use up within a month.

SPICY COLD SOBA NOODLES

Steps:

• Heat soy sauce until reduced by half.
• Turn to low and add molasses.
• Warm briefly and transfer to bowl.
• Add remaining ingredients except noodles.
• Add salt to taste.
• Boil noodles about 3 minutes.
• Drain and plunge in ice water.
• Drain and rinse.
• Combine with sauce and chill.

MACADAMIA-SESAME SOBA NOODLES

Steps:

• Cook soba noodles in boiling water according to package directions; 6 minutes is usually about the right amount of time.
• Be careful when they start to boil-- they WILL foam up fast!
• Toast macadamia nuts in a 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes.
• Set aside to cool.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add garlic and sesame seeds and saute about 3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, the vegetable oil, soy sauce and vinegar.
• Whisk to combine.
• Add the macadamia nuts, green onion and cilantro to the soba noodles.
• Pour sesame sauce over noodles, mix thoroughly, and serve hot, room temperature, or cold.