One of my favorite restaurants is a vegan Vietnamese place in Falls Church, VA called Loving Hut. I remember the first time I went there. I had just moved to northern Virginia, one of my favorite places I’ve lived, and was scoping out the area for good, non-commercial food establishments- even though there are several Loving Huts throughout the US. I admit that I’m not very familiar with Vietnamese food, so I was excited to give this fare a try. I had ordered the soba noodles with stir-fried vegetables knowing it would be a simple meal to gauge the quality of food and taste. When my meal came out I said, “I love it when the “meat” of my meal is slices of avocado.” I wasn’t expecting that but it was a nice addition to everything else that awaited me. So, that meal has inspired me to recreate it, especially since I no longer live in Virginia. Sad face.
Ingredients
1 package of soba noodles (I use the brand that has 2 smaller packages of noodles inside and use both for two adults)- If wanting GF noodles, go with 100% buckwheat noodles.
1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
1 medium head of broccoli or cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized pieces
8-10 sprigs of thin asparagus, cut into 2 inch pieces
1 one inch piece of ginger (about the size of your thumb), peeled and shredded, then diced
1-2 TBSP sesame oil
1-2 TBSP coconut oil or ghee
Toasted sesame seeds
1 avocado, sliced
*optional Tamari or soy sauce, Sriracha if you like a kick of heat
Put it together
In a large frying pan, heat the oils on medium heat. Once the oils are warm add the broccoli or cauliflower and sauté for around 5 minutes. Stir in the asparagus and carrots and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add the noodles (add a dash of Tamari or soy sauce if using) and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is hot and the cruciferous vegetables are tender crisp. Divide the mixture onto plates and top with sliced avocado and toasted sesame seeds. You may add a little extra sesame oil if it seems a little dry or for extra flavor, add Sriracha if using. This should serve two hungry adults with a plate of leftovers afterward.
Ăn ngon nhé- Eat well