“This past weekend we celebrated my daughter’s sixth birthday at a family BBQ where I was asked to bring the side dish. Upon pondering through a few recipes I took one look at the head of broccoli in my fridge and knew what I had to do. Grill it of course! My absolute favorite way to consume this lovely vegetable! I found a box of Soba Noodles and added some of my favorite Asian ingredients to the mix. Out came one of the lightest, yet richest in flavor salads I have ever made. If you are looking for a unique side for your next gathering, look no further, you found it!”

Serves 8

Ingredients

1 head of broccoli sliced into long spears
1 box buckwheat Soba Noodles
3 cloves garlic minced
3 tablespoon chives chopped
3 tablespoon dark sesame oil
2 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
2 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted sesame seeds. (See below “Nic’s Tip” how to simply do this)
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes + more for optional sprinkling

Directions

1.) Prepare the Soba Noodles according to directions and put aside.


2.) To make marinade whisk together the garlic, chives, sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and chili flakes in a small bowl.
3.) Place broccoli in a large re-sealable bag and pour 2/3 of the marinade over the broccoli, massage throughout. Reserve the remainder of the marinade for later.
4.) Put the broccoli into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the broccoli to absorb the marinade.
5.) Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat brushing with olive oil if needed to prevent sticking. Take out broccoli from refrigerator and cook each spear turning over until charred.


6.) Let cool until just warm to the touch and cut each broccoli piece into bite-sized chunks.
7.) Toss together the broccoli, warm Soba Noodles and remainder of dressing in a large bowl.
8.) Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, red pepper flakes if you so desire. Serve at room temperature.


*Nic’s Tip – To toast sesame seeds, simply add the seeds to a small dry pan and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes tossing around until they start to brown and become aromatic.