Serves 4.
Note: Soba is a Japanese buckwheat noodle. Find it with Asian foods in the supermarket. From "Dinner for Everyone," by Mark Bittman.
• Salt
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 lb.)
• 2 tbsp. good-quality vegetable oil
• Black pepper
• 2 tbsp. sesame seeds
• 12 oz. dried soba noodles (see Note)
• 1 lb. broccoli, stems and florets chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 3 tbsp. soy sauce, or more to taste
• 2 tbsp. dark sesame oil
Directions
Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt it.
Turn on the broiler and position the rack 4 inches below the heat. Spread chicken pieces on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer and coat with the vegetable oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sprinkle on both sides with the sesame seeds. Broil, turning thighs once or twice to prevent seeds from burning, until chicken is cooked through and golden in places and the pan is almost dry, 10 to 15 minutes total.
Add noodles to the boiling water, cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, then start tasting when the noodles are pliable but not quite ready. Add the broccoli and cook until it turns bright green, another minute or two. Drain noodles and broccoli, rinse with cold running water to stop the cooking, then shake the colander and drain again.
Slice chicken into narrow strips and put in a large serving bowl with any pan juices and the green onions, soy sauce and sesame oil. Toss to coat, add the noodle mixture and toss again. Taste, adjust seasoning and serve warm or at room temperature.
Special report: Go behind Minnesota's pro-athlete curtain to see how the best athletes in our state get ready for their biggest moment: gameday.
