Buddha’s Delight Recipe (Thin Rice Noodles with Vegetables)
Description:
Buddha’s Delight, a fragrant and flavorful Asian dish, is a delightful medley of tender tofu, crunchy vegetables, and soft rice noodles, all enveloped in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Traditionally a vegetarian dish enjoyed by Buddhist monks, this recipe is now a popular vegan option at many Chinese restaurants worldwide. Packed with vibrant vegetables like broccoli, baby corn, and shiitake mushrooms, this dish is not only wholesome and nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you are a vegetarian or simply looking for a healthy meal, Buddha’s Delight is a comforting and balanced choice, perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tofu (cut into 1.5-inch cubes) | 250 grams |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame (Gingelly) oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 2 teaspoons |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Corn flour | 2 teaspoons |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onions (sliced) | 1/4 cup |
| Baby corn (sliced in half) | 6 pieces |
| Bamboo shoots (sliced and drained) | 1 can (store-bought) |
| Mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, snow peas, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, baby bok choy) | 2 cups |
| Rice vermicelli noodles (thin) | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Approximate values based on 4 servings
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
15 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tofu:
Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F). Line a baking tray with foil and arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on the pan. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bake for 20 minutes or until the tofu is lightly browned and crispy on the edges. Alternatively, you can sauté the tofu pieces in 1 teaspoon of oil in a frying pan until golden brown and crisp, then set aside. -
Cook the Noodles:
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the rice vermicelli noodles. Cook according to package instructions, usually for 3-4 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Drain the noodles and set them aside in a bowl. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. In another bowl, dissolve the cornflour in 1/4 cup of cold water, then add this mixture to the soy sauce blend. Stir everything together until smooth and set aside. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Heat the 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, baby corn, and bamboo shoots, and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, snow peas, thinly sliced carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and baby bok choy) to the wok. Season with salt and black pepper, and sauté for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. -
Combine Tofu and Vegetables:
Add the baked or sautéed tofu cubes to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the tofu and vegetable mixture. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the tofu and vegetables evenly. -
Add the Noodles:
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked rice noodles to the wok. Toss everything together gently until the noodles are well coated in the sauce and evenly mixed with the tofu and vegetables. -
Serve:
Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly sliced green onions. Buddha’s Delight is best served hot and can be enjoyed as a complete meal on its own. You can also pair it with steamed white rice or even Shanghai Mantou (steamed buns) for a more indulgent meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Buddha’s Delight on its own as a fulfilling and healthy dinner option.
- For a more complete meal, pair with steamed jasmine rice or soft, fluffy Shanghai Mantou (steamed buns).
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for an added flavor boost.
Pro Tips for Perfect Buddha’s Delight:
- Tofu Texture: For extra crispy tofu, press the tofu block before cooking to remove excess moisture. You can also freeze tofu before using it to get a firmer, more absorbent texture that holds up better in stir-fries.
- Noodle Options: If you can’t find rice vermicelli, you can substitute with other types of thin noodles, such as soba noodles, udon, or even spaghetti.
- Spicy Kick: If you prefer some spice, add a dash of chili paste or chopped fresh chilies to the sauce mix.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what’s in season or available. Other great options include bell peppers, snap peas, or baby spinach.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari as a substitute.
Buddha’s Delight is a versatile, flavorful dish that can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a nutrient-packed meal. With its fragrant sauce, tender tofu, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone around the table. Enjoy!
Let me know if you’d like any further tweaks or adjustments!
