Soy-Glazed Black Sesame Shrimp with Soba Noodles

Soy-Glazed Black Sesame Shrimp with Soba Noodles
Serves 3

Shopping note: I scoured the “International Section” at two large grocery stores and could not find Soba Noodles. A stockist than wisely pointed me in the direction of the store’s “Health Food Aisle.” Bingo. I thought I’d share in case you come up against the same problem.

Ingredients:
1 lb medium raw shrimp, cleaned and shelled (you can use frozen, just thaw them first by placing them in a strainer under cold running water for 5 minutes) – $7.99
10 oz of buckwheat Soba noodles – $2.29
2 Tablespoons of Mirin – stock
2 Tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce (you can use regular soy if that’s all you have) – stock
1½ teaspoons of chili garlic sauce, Huy Fong a popular variety (sub in ½ teaspoon of chili powder and one clove of minced garlic if you have a hard time finding it) – $2.69
4 teaspoons of sesame or peanut oil, divided – stock
1½ teaspoons cornstarch – stock
1 Tablespoon of sesame seeds (black or regular) – $3.69
A few sprigs of fresh cilantro or flat leaf parsley, chopped finely (optional) – $0.89
Grand total assuming well-stocked kitchen: $14.86
Cost per serving: $4.95

Directions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons of sesame/peanut oil, cornstarch, Mirin, soy sauce, and chili-garlic sauce. In a large glass or plastic bowl, combine the marinade with the raw shrimp and let sit for about 10 minutes.

2. In the meantime, prepare the Soba noodles according to package directions, then set them aside. FYI, with Soba noodles, generally err on the side of slightly undercooked.

3. In a large skillet or wok, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil over very high heat. Once smoking hot, remove the pan from the heat for 5 seconds. Return the skillet to the stove top over medium-low heat and add the shrimp & marinade. Saute – stirring often to prevent the sauce from burning – until the shrimp are pink all the way through and on both sides, this takes about 6-8 minutes total. Once the shrimp are cooked, sprinkle with sesame seeds coating both sides.

4. Toss the Soba noodles into the skillet and combine well. Heat through for an additional minute. Portion out the shrimp and Soba noodles and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.