Soba Noodles with Pork, Shiitakes, and Bok Choy

Drawing inspiration from our previous soba noodle dish, we set out to create another flavorful recipe featuring this versatile ingredient. This time, we combined tender pork, crunchy baby bok choy, and meaty shiitake mushrooms to create a well-rounded and satisfying dish. With a savory sauce infused with soy sauce, oyster sauce, Asian chili-garlic sauce, and a touch of sake, this dish offers a balance of flavors that perfectly complements the soba noodles. As with other soba noodle dishes, it is important to use soba noodles specifically and not substitute them with other types of noodles. With its delicious combination of ingredients and straightforward preparations, this pork and vegetable soba noodle dish is a delightful choice for any occasion.

INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Asian chili-garlic sauce
• 4 teaspoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 pound boneless country-style pork ribs, trimmed and sliced crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick pieces
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 4 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 6 heads baby bok choy (4 ounces each), sliced crosswise ½ inch thick
• 10 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and quartered
• 8 ounces of dried soba noodles
• 2 scallions, sliced thin

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, chili-garlic sauce, sake, and sesame oil. Transfer 3 tablespoons of this mixture to a separate bowl and stir in the pork. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.
2. In another bowl, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil.
3. Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke. Add half of the marinated pork in a single layer and cook without stirring for 1 minute. Stir and continue to cook until the pork is browned about 2 minutes. Transfer the cooked pork to a bowl. Repeat the process with another teaspoon of vegetable oil and the remaining pork.
4. Wipe the skillet clean with paper towels, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, and heat over high heat until it starts to smoke. Add the sliced baby bok choy and quartered shiitake mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Clear the center of the skillet and add the garlic-ginger mixture. Mash it into the pan until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir it into the vegetables.
5. Add the cooked pork with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir in the reserved soy sauce mixture and simmer until the sauce thickens about 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and cover to keep warm.
6. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook, stirring often, until tender. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the noodles and return them to the pot. Add the pork and vegetable mixture to the pot and toss to combine. Adjust the consistency with the reserved cooking water as needed.
7. Sprinkle individual portions with sliced scallions and serve.

YIELD: This recipe serves 4 people.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Do not substitute other types of noodles for the soba noodles.

TIPS:

• Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables to the dish, such as sliced bell peppers or snap peas, for more variety.
• For extra heat, adjust the amount of Asian chili-garlic sauce to suit your taste preference.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 460
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Protein: 29g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 1250mg

This pork and vegetable soba noodle dish is a delightful combination of tender pork, crunchy baby bok choy, meaty shiitake mushrooms, and flavorful soba noodles. The savory sauce, with its blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili-garlic sauce, and sake, perfectly complements the ingredients and brings the dish together. The simple preparations make it accessible for home cooks, and the option to customize with additional vegetables allows for personalization.

Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this pork and vegetable soba noodle dish, knowing that you’re indulging in a satisfying and nutritious meal. Embrace the versatility of soba noodles and explore the diverse range of flavors they can enhance. Share this delicious recipe with friends and family, and savor the joy of a well-prepared, comforting dish.