Honey and Sesame Tossed Flat Noodles with Toasted Tofu Recipe
A delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, this Honey and Sesame Tossed Flat Noodles with Toasted Tofu brings together the rich taste of soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, paired with crispy, golden-brown tofu and soft rice noodles. This vegetarian Indo-Chinese dish is perfect for a lunch that is both satisfying and flavorful. Topped with toasted sesame seeds and crunchy egg noodles, it’s a meal that combines textures and tastes that will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice Noodles (Flat) | 2 cups |
| Tofu (cut into cubes) | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fried Egg Noodles (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
| Spring Onion Greens | 2 sprigs |
| Garlic (chopped) | 2 cloves |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Soy Sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Honey | 2 teaspoons |
| Chinese 5 Spice Powder | 2 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Boil the Rice Noodles:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the rice noodles. Cook until tender, following the package instructions (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the noodles with a drizzle of oil to keep them from sticking, then set them aside.
-
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder until well combined. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
-
Toast the Tofu:
- Heat a large kadai (or wok) over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Add the tofu cubes to the pan, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and cook, tossing occasionally, until the tofu becomes golden and crispy on all sides (about 8-10 minutes).
- Once done, remove the tofu from the pan and transfer it to a bowl. Set it aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Toss in the chopped ginger and garlic, frying them for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden.
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Combine the Sauce and Noodles:
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan with the ginger and garlic, stirring it well to incorporate the flavors.
- Once the sauce starts to bubble, add the cooked rice noodles to the pan, tossing them gently to coat with the sauce.
- Add the spring onion greens to the noodles and mix well. Taste the noodles and adjust the seasoning as necessary (remember, the soy sauce already adds some salt).
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Assemble the Dish:
- Serve the noodles on individual plates, topping each serving with the crispy, toasted tofu and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- For extra crunch and texture, you can also add some fried egg noodles on top.
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Serving Suggestions:
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a refreshing Thai Green Papaya Salad and a rich Coconut Tapioca Pudding with Spicy Strawberry Sauce for a complete, well-balanced meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Tofu Variations: If you prefer a firmer texture, press the tofu to remove excess moisture before toasting.
- Noodle Options: If rice noodles are not available, you can substitute with egg noodles or any other type of flat noodle.
- Add-ins: For a more robust dish, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms along with the garlic and ginger. Simply stir-fry them for a few minutes before adding the sauce.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe fully vegan, ensure that the egg noodles are omitted or replaced with a plant-based crispy noodle option.
Conclusion:
The Honey and Sesame Tossed Flat Noodles with Toasted Tofu is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors with crispy tofu and soft noodles. This satisfying dish makes for a hearty lunch or dinner and is a great way to enjoy a vegetarian Indo-Chinese meal. The combination of textures, from the chewy noodles to the crispy tofu, along with the aromatic ginger and garlic, creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. Enjoy this recipe as a main dish, paired with refreshing salads or light desserts to complete the meal.
