Spicy Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

 These Spicy Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu are a symphony of textures and flavors. Creamy peanut sauce coats perfectly cooked noodles, while crispy tofu adds a delightful crunch. A touch of spice brings everything to life, making this dish a satisfying and flavorful meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's also easily adaptable to your spice preference, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients:

For the Tofu:

• 1 block (14-16 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola or grapeseed)

For the Noodles:

• 8 oz noodles of your choice (spaghetti, linguine, udon, or even rice noodles work well)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the Peanut Sauce:

• ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your preference)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or more, to taste)
• 2 tablespoons water (or more, to achieve desired consistency)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated

For Garnish:

• Chopped peanuts
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tofu:

• Press the tofu to remove excess water. This is crucial for achieving crispy tofu. You can do this by placing the tofu between two heavy plates and weighing it down for about 30 minutes.
• Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes.
• In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add the tofu cubes and toss to coat.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch or arrowroot powder over the tofu and toss again, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

2. Cook the Tofu:

• Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the tofu cubes to the skillet, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches.
• Remove the crispy tofu from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Noodles:

• Cook the noodles according to package directions.
• Drain the noodles and toss them with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

4. Make the Peanut Sauce:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, water, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
• Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired sauce consistency. It should be pourable but not too thin.

5. Assemble the Dish:

• Add the cooked noodles to the skillet or wok (you can use the same one you used for the tofu, just wipe it clean).
• Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss to coat.
• Add the crispy tofu to the noodles and gently mix.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Serve the Spicy Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu immediately.
• Garnish with chopped peanuts, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
  
  
  

Tips and Variations:

• For extra flavor, add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the noodles.
• If you don't have chili garlic sauce, you can use sriracha or another hot sauce.
• You can adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to control the spice level.
• For a richer flavor, use dark sesame oil instead of regular sesame oil.
• If you're allergic to peanuts, you can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter.

Enjoy this delicious and satisfying Spicy Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu! Let me know what you think in the comments below.