STICKY ORANGE BROCCOLI-STEM LO MEIN

Makes 8 cups

GATHER FOR STICKY ORANGE SAUCE

4 oranges

1-inch ginger piece

3 garlic cloves

2 tablespoons maple syrup

¼ teaspoon red chili flakes, more for garnish

2 teaspoons corn starch

1 teaspoon sea salt

FOR LO MEIN

1 bunch broccoli (approximately 1½ pounds)

3 tablespoons sea salt

1 (8-ounce) package soba noodles

2 tablespoons hot sesame oil

FOR BROCCOLI STEM BATTER

1 tablespoon vegan mayonnaise (we love Vegenaise)

2 tablespoons corn starch

FOR SERVING

3 scallions

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

MAKE IT TO MAKE STICKY ORANGE SAUCE

• Juice oranges (approximately 2⁄3 cup) and add to blender.

• Peel ginger and cut into chunks (approximately 2 tablespoons). Slice garlic.

• Add cut ginger, garlic, maple syrup, red chili flakes, corn starch, and sea salt to blender. Process until smooth.

• Transfer mixture to a pan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes or until thickened. Keep mixture in pan to toss in broccoli stems before serving.

TO MAKE LO MEIN

• Cut broccoli crown into small florets (approximately 4 cups).

• Peel tough outer peel of broccoli stem. Cut into ½-inch medallions (approximately 2 cups).

• Bring medium pot of water to boil. Add salt.

• Add soba noodles to boiling water and stir to create vortex to help prevent sticking. Cook for 3 minutes, or according to package instructions. While still al dente, add broccoli and cook for 1 more minute.

• Drain in strainer, return to pot, and toss thoroughly in hot sesame oil.

TO MAKE BROCCOLI STEM

• Preheat air fryer to 375ºF for 5 minutes (or preheat oven to 375ºF ).

• Toss broccoli stem medallions in mayonnaise. Coat with corn starch.

• Arrange in single layer inside air fryer. Bake for 10 minutes. (If using the oven, line a baking tray with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden, flipping once halfway.)

• Add cooked stems to pan with sauce, and reduce to medium heat for 1 minute, or until viscous and sticky.

• Toss crispy broccoli stems in orange sauce and serve atop Lo Mein.

TO SERVE

• Slice scallions and use to garnish along with sesame seeds and extra chili flakes.