Soba Noodles with Asparagus, Shiitake and Tofu

Serves 6

Ingredients:

½ pound fresh asparagus spears, cleaned and trimmed into 2 inch pieces {discard woody ends}
½ pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 pound extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 1” thick slices
¼ cup vegetable oil + 1 tablespoon
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1  tablespoon sesame seeds + more for garnish
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
4 cups water
8 ounces dried soba noodles

Directions:

1.Make marinade by mixing vegetable oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, ginger, and garlic.

2. Place tofu in a baking pan and add ¼ cup of marinade. Stir to coat. Set aside and let marinate for one hour turning half way through.

3. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place asparagus spears in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of marinade and toss to coat. Roast asparagus for 8-10 minutes turning half way through. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

4. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring and turning occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown. Add a tablespoon of water to the skillet and cook, stirring the mushrooms occasionally, until the water has evaporated and the mushrooms are softened and have reduced in size. Stir in 2 tablespoons of marinade to coat the mushrooms.

5. Once tofu has marinated for 1 hour, transfer to an oiled baking sheet and space tofu slices 1 inch apart. Broil until the top is golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Flip and broil until the edges are golden and crisp, about 2-5 more minutes.

6. Bring a large pot of water and vegetable broth to a boil. Add soba noodles. Boil for 3 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Place back in the pot and coat with remaining marinade.

7. To assemble, place 1 cup of soba noodles in a bowl. Top with crispy tofu slices, roasted asparagus spears, and sauteed shiitake mushrooms. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.