Soba Noodles with Grilled Shrimp

 
 

I've become newly obsessed with spinning. Not in-a-circle-with-my-arms-outstreched-until-I-feel-like-I-want-to-vomit spinning, but actual spin class.  

I was a spinning newbie up until a few weeks ago. Then, I walked into this new state-of-the-art spin studio down in Chelsea.  I walked sheepishly to the counter and asked how to register.  The pretty girl behind the counter handed me a waiver and a pair of shoes with metal clumps on the bottom.

Now, I am always wary when I have to sign something that says, "We are not responsible for your death." Especially when all I am doing is riding a stationary bike. But seriously, I thought, what are these metal things? 

I walk into the spin studio and see women on their bikes, spinning furiously (class hadn't started yet) and chatting away with one another.  I found my way to my bike and began to examine.  The pedals were tiny little magnetic bars. OK.  So these attach to my feet. 

Um?

I got on the bike and tried to attach my feet to the medal bars.  Of course, I slipped right off, knocking off the little meter showing the Torq and Resistance. CLANG! CRASH!

Great.  I'm that girl right now. I thought to myself, as I sheepishly tried to get back on. After I finally was able to keep my balance on the seat, I struggled with attaching my feet to the medal bars.  Finally, I heard the click and suddenly, I was locked in.  No way out now. 

Now, I am a workout nut. I love working out. I love athletic challenges.  So I. Loved. Spinning.  I didn't want to stop.  The studio has a Torq Board where you can see your position against all of the other spinners in the class on a large screen in the front of the room.  Some people call that torture.  I call that... well, I guess it is torture. I didn't sign up for it and was glad that I didn't. 

Class was over and it was time to stretch.  The instructor told us to unlock our feet (such an odd statement).  Of course, I did not know how to do that.  I pressed the red release knob and of course, nothing.  I struggled and pulled but my feet were stuck.

This sucks. I'm totally that girl.

I gave up and just pulled my feet out of my shoes, falling forcefully backwards as I released myself.  Luckily, I was in the back row. I stretched and ran out before the lights went on, just to save face.

I went back the next day.  Some may call me a masochist.  But I loved it. 

In the March 2010 Issue of Food and Wine Magazine, Editor-In-Chief Dana Cowin stated that she wanted to redirect the focus of the recipes in F&W to feature healthier recipes.  

I'm down for some healthy recipes. It energizes me when I get stuck on my spin bike. 

So I tried the cover recipe from the magazine.  Soba noodles, tossed with a tamari-soy sauce sauce,topped with lime marinated shrimp and sprinkled with pan-fried garlic and shallots, cilantro and scallions. 

Easy enough.

It was quick to make and smelled delicious.  But I was a bit disappointed with it.  I found the sauce to be very salty on the already salty soba noodles. Sure, I loved the crisp garlic and shallots, the lime flavored cilantro (and I never like cilantro) and the scallions.  And the lime shrimp were incredible.  But I wasn't crazy about the dish.

But the next day. Oh, the next day was different. The flavors mellowed.  The sauce became a subtle coating to the tender noodles.  The lime flavor of the shrimp was even more pronounced.  Definitely a winner.  A nice, healthy winner.

Click here for the recipe.

Comments

[5 Star Foodie]

Some dishes are just better on the second day :) The flavors here sound terrific!

[Nicole]

You are brave! I'm not sure I would have gone back because for sure I would be "that girl" also :) Glad the dish came together the second day.

[jenn (Bread + Butter)]

I've been wanting to try spinning. I have a friend who teaches classes.

Yum!! This is a great week night meal. Shrimp, noodles, what's not to love.

[Katie @ Cozydelicious]

I have had exactly that spinning experience! But you get over being 'that girl', I promise! Although, at least for me, it took a lot longer for my legs to get used to the whole thing than it took my brain. And your shrimp look delish!

[Jen]

I'm not quite ready for a spinning class but I would love to try out this healthy recipe!

[Tracey]

I've always wanted to try spinning too but I would totally be that girl :) Good for you for giving it a shot!

Glad this one got better on the second day. It looked good to me too when I got my issue of F&W.

[Phyllis]

Wow, spinning? Good for you! I don't think I'd survive the class. The soba with shrimp looks fabulous. I love chewy soba noodles. So glad it tasted better the next day :)

[Margot]

That cover on Food & Wine got me and I made this too! I subbed sesame oil for some of the canola oil, added some asparagus, and thought it was a delicious meal.

I don't belong to a gym anymore, but I thought spinning was the best workout.

[DailyChef]

Spinning always looks so intense! I spend a lot of time on the stationery bike, so have been intrigued by the classes, but have been too intimidated so far to try it out...maybe I will soon :)

[Wizzythestick]

My best friend is addicted to spinning. I'll stick to what I'm good at cooking :-) I like healthy but too often it tends to mean not tasty. This looks both healthy and tasty. totally random question. has anyone told you you remind them of that Zoe girl from avatar?

[Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction]

Looks like a great dish. Spinning sounds like fun... I wish there were some good gyms around here to take classes. That's one of the problems with living in the middle of nowhere!

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