SOBA NOODLES with PORK & BROCCOLI

I'm not a massive fan of pork, however I do like to eat it occasionally, as I find it even more filling than chicken. I am, however, a huge fan of all things noodles and have an immense love of broccoli, which explains how those ingredients found their way into this dish. I've recently started to use apple cider vinegar to tenderise and marinate meat prior to cooking instead of using extra oil. Do not be put off by the smell of apple cider vinegar, as you do not taste it after cooking. This dish was able to spread itself over both lunch and dinner for 2 very hungry people so you know its going to be filling!

 
Ingredients

• 270g soba noodles 
• 400-430g lean pork fillet, fat removed and cut into even sized 3cm pieces 
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons salt reduced soy sauce 
• 1 teaspoon rice bran oil 
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped or crushed 
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small, even sized florets and stalk chopped 
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds (or if cannot find, add another tablespoon of white sesame seeds)
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves 

Cooking 

1. Combine the pork pieces and apple cider vinegar in a medium bowl and toss well. Place in the fridge to marinate for 10 minutes. 

2. Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of water to the boil and then add the soba noodles for 3 minutes, stirring once or twice to make sure they do not clump. Drain and rinse the noodles in a colander under lukewarm water. 

3. Whilst the pork is marinating, whisk the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce and 2 tablespoons water. 

4. Heat the rice bran oil in a large, deep fry pan or wok over medium heat and swirl to coat. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Now add the pork to the pan and toss the pork frequently so that all pork pieces become white in colour. This will take around 5 minutes. (If the pork starts to stick to the pan, add a splash of water at a time). Remove the pork from the pan and place in a medium empty bowl. 

5. Add the broccoli to the pan and continue to stir often. If the broccoli starts to stick to the pan again use a small amount water. Cover the pan for 5 minutes or until the broccoli has become less hard. Return the pork to the pan and pour in the liquid sauce from step 3. Toss the pork and broccoli with the sauce until combined. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss well. 

Remove from the stove, add the shallots, fresh coriander and sesame seeds and stir to combine. Divide between four bowls and enjoy! 

Serves / 4

Total Preparation time / 10-12 minutes 

Total Cooking time / 25 minutes 

x Emily