Soba Noodle Stir Fry with Creamy Ginger Sauce

Next to dairy and refined sugar, eliminating gluten from your diet can be a real struggle.

It was tough for me when I found out I was celiac, and it usually is too for the acne-sufferers in my program, the Clear Skin Solution.

Why? Because bread, pasta and pastries are simply delicious and total comfort foods. 

But as you’ve probably noticed, gluten is a trigger food that can worsen acne. That’s why I provide yummy gluten-free alternatives for my clients like this soba noodle stir fry with buckwheat.

Skin-Loving Benefits of Buckwheat

The star ingredient in this recipe is buckwheat. This plant grows stalks that contain small grain-like seeds, which can be used as flour for bread, pseudo-cereal, medicine and even honey. Just as the uses of buckwheat are endless, the benefits of it are limitless too.

1. Improves Skin Elasticity

Buckwheat contains an abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which keep your skin looking youthful, supple and firm.

2. High in Antioxidants

This grain-like seed includes rutin, which is an antioxidant that helps to reduce inflammation and signs of aging. And who doesn’t love something that helps them to look younger?

3. Lowers Blood Sugar

Buckwheat helps to stabilize blood glucose levels as well because it’s a low to medium glycemic index food. This means that it will not spike your blood sugar levels like rice would, making buckwheat a safe option for those with diabetes. It’s also a great choice for acne-sufferers because uncontrolled blood sugar levels are a big contributor to acne.

4. Aids Digestion

The high-fibre content in buckwheat helps improve digestion and elimination. If you want clear skin, it’s important to have healthy bowel movements every day. Doing so removes acne-triggering toxins and hormones filtered by your liver out of your body and prevents them from being reabsorbed.

5. It’s Gluten-Free

If you have a gluten or grain sensitivity, buckwheat is a great alternative because it doesn’t contain gluten and is not a grain. Gluten and grains can aggravate the skin and damage the gut lining. Here’s how it happens: 

How Gluten Impacts the Gut Lining

Whether you’re celiac or not, gluten is an inflammatory food because it contributes to something called “leaky gut.”

When irritating foods like gluten enter the gut, they can cause the tight junctions between the cells lining your digestive system to pull apart. This allows tiny undigested food particles and toxins to get into your bloodstream and lymphatic system. These food particles aren’t supposed to be in the bloodstream so your body’s immune system mounts an attack– leading to food intolerances and body-wide inflammation.

Both of those are big contributors to acne.

That’s why I recommend using a gluten-free alternative like buckwheat.

Digestive Benefits of Ginger

On top of buckwheat, ginger is another star ingredient in this soba noodle stir fry.

In Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginger is a warming food that supports both the digestive and immune systems. When it comes to the immune or lymphatic system, ginger helps to strengthen the spleen. 

In regards to digestion, ginger can relieve abdominal discomfort and inflammatory conditions like IBS thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Your skin loves those properties as well because they combat inflammation and oxidative stress that promote acne.

Research also shows that ginger may support gut health because it can alter your gut microbiome. Ginger has strong antimicrobial properties that can decrease the amount of bad gut bacteria and increase beneficial gut bacteria. Other studies show that ginger can promote tissue repair at the gut lining.

This is critical because the health of your gut determines the health of your skin.

Soba Noodle Stir Fry with Creamy Ginger Sauce

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Author: Katie Stewart

Ingredients

For the stir fry:

• 1 package soba noodles
• 2 carrots grated
• 1 onion thinly sliced
• 4 garlic scapes finely sliced (optional)
• 2 zucchini spiralized (or diced)
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms thinly sliced
• Optional: sesame seeds and chopped fresh parsley for garnish

For the sauce:

• ¼ cup Cashew butter
• ¼ cup filtered water
• 2 tbsp wheat-free Tamari or coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 ” ginger finely grated

Instructions

• Cook soba noodles as per package instructions.
• In the meantime, saute carrots, onion, and garlic scapes (if using). Cook until onions are translucent -- about 5 minutes.
• Add zucchini and mushrooms. Saute for another 3-4 minutes -- or until the zucchini/mushrooms are cooked through.
• While the veggies are cooking, add all sauce ingredients to a mason jar and shake well (I used a mini food processor).
• When the noodles are done, drain and rinse in cool water.
• Add to the pan of veggies, pour sauce over top and mix until well combined.
• Plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and parsley. Serve immediately.