Orange-Sesame Noodles with Tofu

Vegetarian Orange-Sesame Noodles with Tofu Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Orange-Sesame Noodles with Tofu is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the zesty taste of orange with the nutty flavor of sesame. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and is sure to satisfy your cravings for Asian-inspired cuisine.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Asian noodle dishes, incorporating the bright and citrusy flavor of orange with the rich and savory taste of sesame. It is a popular dish in many Asian households and restaurants, and has become a favorite among those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) fresh Chinese lo mein noodles
3 tbsp vegetable oil, or more as needed
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
1 lb (454 g) tofu, drained and cubed
1 bunch scallions, cut into 0.5 inch lengths
1 bunch watercress, rinsed
1.5 lb (680 g) bok choy, rinsed, ends thinly sliced on diagonal
1 cup loosely packed fresh coriander leaves, as garnish
dressing
0.33 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 to 3 tbsp granulated sugar, or to taste
1.5 tbsp sesame oil
juice of 0.5 large orange
grated zest from 1 whole orange
1 tsp minced garlic

How to prepare

Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add fresh noodles.
Cook the noodles for about 3 minutes, then drain them in a colander and rinse well under cold water.
Set the noodles aside to continue draining.
Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the garlic and ginger until golden, which should take about 2 minutes.
Remove the garlic and ginger from the wok and set them aside.
Add tofu to the wok, adding more oil if necessary. Stir-fry the tofu for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it turns golden.
Remove the tofu from the wok.
Add scallions to the wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Add bok choy to the wok, adding more oil if necessary. Stir-fry the bok choy for 2 minutes, or until tender. Then add watercress and stir-fry for 2 more minutes.
Return the garlic, ginger, and tofu to the wok and stir-fry for 1 more minute.
Remove the wok from heat.
To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
Place the noodles in a large serving bowl and toss them with half of the dressing.
Add the tofu and vegetables to the bowl and toss them with the remaining dressing.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve.

Variations

Substitute the tofu with chicken, shrimp, or beef for a different protein option.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Use different vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms for added variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the noodles well after cooking to prevent them from sticking together.

- When stir-frying the tofu, make sure to use a non-stick pan or wok to prevent sticking.

- Adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas for added color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Orange-Sesame Noodles with Tofu hot as a main dish, or chilled as a refreshing noodle salad. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the main cooking technique used in this recipe, which helps to retain the crisp texture of the vegetables and tofu while infusing them with the flavors of the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use rice noodles or whole wheat noodles instead of lo mein noodles.

- Substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar in the dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time when cooking. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Orange-Sesame Noodles with Tofu with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a wedge of orange for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect complement to the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Orange-Sesame Noodles with Tofu contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Orange-Sesame Noodles with Tofu contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Orange-Sesame Noodles with Tofu contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Orange-Sesame Noodles with Tofu contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the orange and various nutrients from the tofu and vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Orange-Sesame Noodles with Tofu is a well-balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Orange-Sesame Noodles with Tofu is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Orange-Sesame Noodles with Tofu. It was tucked away in an old cookbook I had inherited from my own grandmother, who was a fantastic cook in her own right. The ingredients were simple enough - noodles, tofu, orange juice, sesame oil - but the flavors promised to be complex and delicious.

I had never cooked with tofu before, so I was a bit apprehensive. But I was determined to give it a try. I remember going to the market to pick up all the ingredients, feeling a sense of excitement building as I imagined the final dish coming together.

As I started cooking, I found myself remembering the lessons I had learned from watching my grandmother in the kitchen. She always told me that the key to cooking was to use fresh, quality ingredients and to cook with love. I could almost hear her voice guiding me as I sliced the tofu into cubes and cooked them until they were golden brown and crispy.

The scent of sesame oil filled the kitchen as I added it to the pan, along with the orange juice, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. The aromas mingled together, creating a mouthwatering fragrance that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

I boiled the noodles until they were al dente, then tossed them in the fragrant sauce. The tofu followed, adding a satisfying crunch to the dish. I garnished the noodles with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding a pop of color and freshness.

As I took the first bite, I was transported back to my grandmother's kitchen, where the flavors of her dishes always seemed to dance on my tongue. The sweet and tangy orange sauce paired perfectly with the nutty sesame and the crispy tofu. It was a symphony of flavors that made me close my eyes and savor every bite.

I couldn't wait to share this dish with my family. As we sat down to dinner that evening, I watched with delight as my loved ones dug into the noodles with gusto. The compliments came pouring in, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had successfully recreated a recipe that had been passed down through generations.

From that day on, Orange-Sesame Noodles with Tofu became a staple in our household. It was a dish that brought us together around the dinner table, creating memories that would last a lifetime. And every time I cooked it, I felt a connection to my grandmother and the long line of strong, talented women who came before me.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and skills that have been passed down to me. Cooking has always been more than just a way to nourish the body - it is a way to connect with my heritage and honor the traditions that have shaped me into the person I am today.

So the next time you find yourself curious about a new recipe, don't hesitate to give it a try. You never know what delicious discoveries you might make along the way. And remember, the secret ingredient in any dish is always love.