koya japanese restaurant, london.

well, time out gave koya a whopping 5 stars and i'm certainly not disagreeing. this week i got the chance to go there with my friend who has recently moved to london. nearby leicester square tube station, we got there at about half 5 and by 6 there were queues out the door. 

no surprises why really, when you look how tasty the food is! we shared a mixed seaweed salad (£6.10) and steamed monkfish special (£8.90), then for mains had duck donburi (£12.10) and tempura udon noodles (£10.30) over a glass of red. 

absolutely amazing food and would definitely recommend going if you're ever nearby. five hearts from me! ♥♥♥♥♥

www.koya.co.uk ♥

sesame pork balls with teriyaki udon ♥

this recipe is really simple and delicious. what's more, it's an adaptation on a weight watchers recipe so isn't too heavy on the calories either.

shopping list

for the pork balls

♥ 500g of low fat pork mince

♥ 6 spring onions, chopped finely

♥ 4 teaspoons of soy sauce

♥ 40g sesame seeds

♥ jalapeño chilli flakes

♥ 20g fresh coriander, chopped finely

for the oodles of noodles

♥ pack of soft udon noodles

♥ teriyaki marinade

♥ mange tout

♥ red pepper

♥ 2 tsp cornflour

to make the pork balls; firstly preheat the oven to gas mark 6.

next, mix together all the ingredients for the pork balls, except the sesame seeds. the herby pork mixture can then be rolled into small balls, making around 14. the fun part is now rolling each balls in the sesame seeds and placing evenly on a baking tray. place in the oven for around 18 minutes.

whilst these are cooking, toss together the noodles and vegetables in a wok or frying pan. to make the sauce, mix together 4 tablespoons of teriyaki marinade, 2 teaspoons of cornflour and 6 tablespoons of cold water and then pour in. This can be doubled up or halved depending on your taste. or for a different flavour, add in ginger or use a hoisin based stir fry sauce.

yum! and only around 240 calories for 5 balls and an added 150 for the noodles.