Asian Craving

My sister brought up memories of the best Chinese restaurant back in our hometown Pittsburgh, PA, that serves the most delicious lo mein noodles. I have never been able to find a restaurant in Florida quite like that one, but since my sister is living with me I decided to try to make our own version at home. Of course, our own version means tweaking ingredients in order to get premium health benefits. I purchased a pack of soba buckwheat noodles, which are high in protein and amino acids, help reduce cholesterol by acting as an absorbent in the small intestine, have been studied for reducing blood glucose levels in diabetes patients, and are high in fiber. I sauteed the red onion and garlic in coconut oil for a few minutes, adding a little salt and pepper. I then threw in the fresh minced ginger, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, orange bell pepper and allowed them to cook for a few minutes. When they started to crisp I added baby bella mushrooms and shaved a carrot in order to add Chinese authenticity to the lo mein. In a separate pan I heated hoisin sauce, less sodium soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, with white rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, a little corn starch, and a little sweet chili sauce. Once it was bubbling I cut the heat off, and combined the pasta and veggies in the sauce. Before serving, I added chopped cilantro and scallions and drizzled a little more sweet chili sauce across the noodles. The final product was a healthier twist on our family classic favorite, and most importantly, satisfied our craving!