Meatless Monday: Tofu & Gingered Soba Noodles

I love soba noodles. The traditional Tokyo-style soba noodles have a ratio of 8 parts buckwheat to 2 parts whole wheat flour thus making them an excellent pasta choice for the health conscious.

Filled with flavor and super charged with antioxidants, I think this recipe is a keeper! If you don’t like tofu, I suppose you can stray from the “Meatless Monday” theme and substitute a grilled & cubed chicken breast instead.

Prep: 35 minutes, Total: 35 minutes, Serves 4

Ingredients
Scallions (1 bunch), separate greens & cut them into 2-inch lengths, thinly sliced lengthwise
1 inch ginger (about a square inch), peeled and sliced
2 garlic cloves, smashed
Canola oil, for grill pan
1 package (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed with a couple of paper towels
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper for seasoning
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, plus more for seasoning
6 ounces soba noodles
1 to 2 heads baby bok choy ( about 4 ounces), trimmed, thinly sliced on bias
6 ounces snow peas, trimmed, halved on the bias
1 red serrano chile, thinly sliced (optional)
1 teaspoon black sesame seeds

Directions
In a medium saucepan, combine scallion whites, ginger, garlic, and 8 cups water; bring to a boil.
Cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook until aromatic and flavorful, about 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat a grill pan over medium-high; lightly oil. Slice tofu in half and season with salt and pepper. Cook tofu in hot pan, turning to grill all sides, about 12 to 15 minutes total. Once grilled, remove from pan and let cool. Then, using a sharp knife, cut into small cubes and reserve.

Strain the scallion whites, ginger and garlic from broth with a slotted spoon and bring broth to a boil. Add soy sauce and soba noodles and cook according to package instructions.

About 2 to 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add bok choy, snow peas, and chile (if using). Cook until veggies are tender-crisp. Add more soy sauce, if desired.

Serve in shallow bowl with broth and top with tofu, scallion greens, and sesame seeds.

Total Calories: 298 Carb=36g Prot=16g Fat=12g

Until next time, keep Living Life Well!

John Aaron Villarreal
johnaaron-massage.com

facebook / twitter

Comments

What To Do When You’re Chronically Stressed

Of all the modern-day ailments that seem to affect us, none is more pervasive than stress. Everywhere you turn, there are factors lurking to redirect you from your peaceful pursuit of happiness and lock you in the clutches of “stress.” What exactly is stress—and what more insidious effects does it cause? The dictionary defines stress as “great pressure or force; strain.” In today’s world, we think of stress as the result of too much pressure laid upon us by life, causing mental worry or anguish. This, in turn, manifests itself in tight neck and shoulders, headaches, nervous stomach, etc. But these physical and mental conditions are really only the beginning. Studies show that stressful situations can develop into more threatening health conditions. For instance: A sudden or unexpected stressor can activate your adrenal glands, which sends adrenaline and other hormones into your bloodstream. This brings about an increase in your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood f

Simple Steps to Spring Forward Toward Fitness

Daylight savings time is a sure reminder that spring is just around the corner and there WILL eventually be an end to the winter weather. And while much of the country still dealing with bitter cold, here in Houston, we’re definitely ready for the warmer days. In fact, this is the time of year when you’ll find many of us increasing our outdoor activities and all too often push ourselves a little too hard. Unfortunately, what can result is often a few days of painful recovery time. So, I've got a short list of suggestions to consider as you pursue your favorite warm-weather pastimes this season: First, increase your activity level gradually — Pay attention to your body’s signals so you can avoid serious injury and don’t have to pay the painful price of overindulgence. Start slowly and do a little more each day and you’ll be up to speed in no time. Warm up — Plunging into activity before you get your body warmed and ready is inviting potential trouble. Avoid possible sprains,

The Benefits of Regular Massage Sessions

Once people discover the many joys and benefits of massage, a common question arises—“How often should I schedule my massage sessions?” Of course, there is no set answer, but studies indicate that massage at regular intervals is most beneficial to your overall health. In a Newsweek article entitled “The Magic of Touch,” the advantages of frequent massage are considered. The following excerpts help to answer the question, “How often?” “A weekly massage may seem an indulgence, but new research suggests it can have major health benefits... “Since instituting a program of massage, job-specific exercises and ergonomics in 1990, the Virginia-based company [Wampler Foods] has cut repetitive-stress injuries by 75 percent... “From assembly lines to corporate headquarters, Americans are discovering the magic of massage. At Boeing and Reebok, headaches, back strain and fatigue have all fallen since the companies started bringing in massage therapists... Doctors have started prescrib

John Aaron Wellness

Search This Blog