Spicy Sesame Lamb & Soba Noodle Bowls

I am obsessed with everything sesame. If it says "sesame" I am down! It doesn't matter the application. We are talking anything from Asian or Middle Eastern cuisines to sesame crackers or a packet of sesame snaps.

If you're new around here, it is going to come mighty apparent soon that I am a big 'noods' (noodle) fan. Just like sesame, I will eat noodles any way, shape or form!

There is a difference between 'TOASTED sesame oil' & 'sesame oil'. So when you are purchasing, make sure you know what you need. Toasted sesame oil has a much stronger flavour & should be added as a finishing touch on a dish. You don't want to use 'toasted sesame oil' to cook with, that is where 'sesame oil' comes in.

Spicy Sesame Lamb & Soba Noodle Bowls

Serves 2

What you'll need:

1/2 lb ground lamb (ground beef, poultry or pork would be great too!)

Spicy Sesame Sauce

1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

1 tbsp honey

Sriracha, to taste

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1/2 tsp chili flakes (or to taste)

1 tsp white sesame seeds

1 large garlic clove, grated

2 inch piece of ginger, grated

Cucumber Salad

1 tsp white sugar

3 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 tsp soy sauce

Chili flakes, to taste

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 English cucumber, sliced into half moons

Bowls

Cooked soba noodles

Carrot, julienne

Edamame

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Fresh cilantro leaves, optional

Sliced scallion, optional

Steps:

Cook soba noodles according to package directions.

Brown 1/2 lb. of ground lamb in a frying pan over medium high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.

Meanwhile mix together 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, sriracha, to taste, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1/2 tsp chili flakes, 1 tsp white sesame seeds, 1 large clove of grated garlic & a 2 inch piece of ginger, grated in a bowl.

When the lamb is almost done pour in 1/4 cup of the sauce you just made. Allow to cook for an addition 3-4 minutes.

When the noodles are cooked, drain and then toss with remaining spicy sesame sauce.

For the cucumber salad whisk together 1 tsp white sugar, 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp soy sauce and chili flakes to taste in a bowl. Once combined, add 1/2 sliced English cucumber and 1/2 small sliced red onion, toss to coat in dressing.

Now all you need to do is assemble your bowls!

Enjoy, my friends!