Gardein "Chicken" Scaloppini with Shiitake Sake Sauce, Pea Shoots, and Udon Noodle Cakes

Ingredients for Gardein "Chicken" Scaloppini with Shiitake Sake Sauce, Pea Shoots, and Udon Noodle Cakes

• 4 (200g single-serving) packs precooked udon noodles, still in their packages (see note)

• Sea salt

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Pinch of sea salt

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 60ml faux chicken stock

• 475ml packed pea shoots

• 4 Gardein breasts

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 60g unbleached plain flour

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 450g shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and cut into 1/4-inch slices

• 240ml dry sake

• 120ml faux chicken stock

• 1/2 cup Earth Balance

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives

• Microgreens to garnish

How to make Gardein "Chicken" Scaloppini with Shiitake Sake Sauce, Pea Shoots, and Udon Noodle Cakes

1. Make the udon noodle cakes: Preheat the oven to 93°C. Remove the plastic from the noodles, keeping the noodles tightly packed. Using a 3-inch round cutter or ring mold, cut one round of noodles from each pack.

2. Place a large sauté pan over high heat. Sprinkle the bottom with a pinch of salt and heat for 1 minute. Add the oil and heat for 30 seconds, being careful not to let it smoke. This will create a nonstick effect.

3. Add the noodle cakes and fry until browned and crisp on both sides, seasoning with salt and pepper as they cook, about 3 minutes per side. Remove to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and put in the oven to keep warm.

4. Make the chicken: Flatten the Gardein breasts with your hand to 1/2 inch thick, then cut each into 3 pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then dredge in the flour.

5. Wipe out the pan you used for the noodle cakes and add 2 tablespoons of the oil. Heat over medium heat, then add the Gardein pieces and cook until browned, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove to a plate and set aside.

6. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, heat over medium heat, then add the mushrooms and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Deglaze the pan with the sake and cook until reduced by half, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the stock and cook for 2 more minutes.

7. Remove from the heat and whisk in the Earth Balance 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly so that the sauce doesn't separate. Stir in the chives. Return the Gardein to the pan and toss to coat it with the sauce. Cover to keep warm while you make the pea shoots.

8. Make the pea shoots: Place a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Sprinkle the bottom with a pinch of salt and heat for 1 minute. Add the oil and heat for 30 seconds, being careful not to let it smoke.

9. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the stock and pea shoots and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, until wilted. Drain the excess liquid.

10. Assemble the dish: Place a noodle cake in the centre of each plate. Top each cake with a spoonful of pea shoots, then top the pea shoots with 3 pieces of the Gardein. Spoon a little of the sake and mushroom sauce over the Gardein and drizzle it around the plate. Garnish with microgreens and serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.