May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the contributions, culture, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

This is a significant month in Asian American and Pacific Islander history. It was May 1843 when the first wave of Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States. May also marks the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 by a team of mainly Chinese immigrants.

In 1978, Congress designated the first week of May as Asian American Heritage Week. They expanded it 12 years later from a week to a month-long celebration.

Four Ways You Can Celebrate With Your Kids

1. Visit a museum.  Asian American and Pacific Islander museums offer tons of fun and enriching activities for families.
2. Do some research. Today, there are more than 17 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. You can find out more about the culture and history of this growing population on the Census Bureau’s website.  
3. Attend a festival. A quick search online will help you find the AAPI Heritage Month events closest to you. 
4. Get creative in the kitchen with stir fry. If your kids like spaghetti, they’ll love soba noodles. These thin, flat noodles are native to Japan. They’re easy to prepare, packed with vitamin B and loads of fun to slurp and enjoy!

Watch the video below for our spotlight recipe: Soba Noodles in a Sesame Ginger Sauce With Steamed Vegetable, then check out the recipe below!

[Embed Soba Noodles in a Sesame Ginger Sauce With Steamed Vegetables video from CafeMom]

SOBA NOODLES IN A SESAME GINGER SAUCE WITH STEAMED VEGGIES

Recipe by Cate Bruce-Low

12 oz. Soba noodles

1/3 c. olive oil

1 ½ t.  maple syrup

1/2 t. toasted sesame oil

1 1/2 t. soy sauce

1 T. rice vinegar

2 scallions, chopped, the white, the light green and a tiny bit of the bright green parts

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. ginger juice*

1 1/2 t. minced ginger

1/2 small navel orange, juiced

1/4 c. black sesame seeds (substitute white sesame seeds if not available)

2 c. of Green Giant® frozen vegetables (mixed vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, sugar snap peas, etc.), steamed

black pepper, to taste

optional: chili oil to spice it all up

Bring a very large pot of salted water to a boil while you are making the sauce. The noodles absorb a lot of water, so cook them in two batches or two pots if need be. Prep all of your other ingredients ahead so that you will have time to add the noodles and cook them according to the instructions on the package.

Make the sauce: In a large bowl pour in the oils, maple syrup, soy sauce, scallions (reserve a few for the garnish), garlic, ginger, ginger juice, orange juice, rice vinegar, and the sesame seeds and whisk till completely combined.

Add the steamed veggies and toss them with the sauce. ALT: Place into bowls for a "veggie bar."

When the noodles are ready, drain the water and add the noodles to your vegetables and sauce.

Sprinkle with more black sesame seeds and some chopped scallion for a garnish.

*To make the ginger juice, peel a 2-inch piece of ginger. Finely grate the ginger. Then, using a tea strainer or a fine mesh sieve over a small bowl, press the grated ginger with your finger. The juice should fall into the bowl below.

Looking for more stir fry recipes? Our friends at Café Mom have a few ideas to help you perfect the art of stir fry.