Sesame Noodles with Grilled Tofu

Sesame Noodles with Grilled Tofu Recipe - Vegetarian Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sesame Noodles with Grilled Tofu is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the nutty flavor of sesame oil with the savory taste of grilled tofu. This recipe is perfect for a light and healthy meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Sesame Noodles with Grilled Tofu is a popular dish in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Japanese cooking. The combination of noodles, tofu, and sesame oil has been enjoyed for centuries, with each culture adding its own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) package of firm or extra-firm tofu, drained
1 recipe of sesame ginger Marinade
1 lb (454 g) of fresh chinese wheat noodles or linguine
1 lb (454 g) of broccoli, cut into florets, with stems julienned
0.25 cup of chopped scallions

Dressing

3 tbsp of Asian sesame oil
0.5 cup of peanut butter
0.5 cup of vegetable broth
0.25 cup of tamari or soy sauce
1 tsp of chili paste with garlic
2 tbsp of sugar

How to prepare

Line a baking dish with plastic wrap.
Cut the tofu in half crosswise, then hold the knife parallel to the work surface and split each piece in half horizontally.
Place the tofu in the baking dish and cover it with plastic wrap. Place a plate on top and weigh it down with several cans. Refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes to press out excess moisture.
Prepare the marinade in a shallow glass bowl.
Remove the tofu pieces from the baking dish and blot them dry with a paper towel; discard the liquid.
Place the tofu in the bowl with the marinade and turn to coat.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours or up to one day, turning occasionally.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
When the water boils, add the noodles, stirring to prevent sticking.
Cook the noodles until tender according to the package directions.
Drain the noodles, rinse them under cold running water, and drain again.
Transfer the noodles to a bowl.
Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil.
Add the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes.
Drain the broccoli, rinse it under cold running water, and drain again.
Add the broccoli to the bowl with the noodles.

Dressing

In a food processor or blender, combine all the ingredients and process until smooth.
Set aside.
Preheat the gas grill to medium-high or prepare a hot charcoal fire.
Remove the tofu from the marinade.
Grill the tofu, basting occasionally with the marinade, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
Just before serving, toss the dressing with the noodles and broccoli. Transfer the mixture to a serving platter. Arrange the tofu on top and sprinkle the mixture with scallions. Serve at room temperature.

Variations

Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.
Use whole wheat noodles for a healthier option.
Substitute almond butter for peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Pressing the tofu before marinating helps to remove excess moisture and allows the tofu to absorb more flavor.

- Make sure to cook the noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy.

- Grilling the tofu adds a smoky flavor to the dish, but you can also bake or pan-fry the tofu if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sesame Noodles with Grilled Tofu with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Pressing tofu

- Grilling tofu

- Boiling noodles

- Blending dressing

Ingredient Substitutions

Almond butter can be used instead of peanut butter.

- Tamari can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Any type of pasta can be used in place of linguine.

Make Ahead Tips

The tofu can be marinated up to one day in advance.

- The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for a pop of color. - Serve in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

- Serve with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

480

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 56g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 7g

Fats

- Total Fat: 22g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 24g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 80%

- Calcium: 20%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains peanuts and soy

Summary

Sesame Noodles with Grilled Tofu is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron.

Summary

Sesame Noodles with Grilled Tofu is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With a delicious blend of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Sesame Noodles with Grilled Tofu. It was a warm summer day, and I had invited my neighbor, Mrs. Lee, over for tea. Mrs. Lee was a wonderful cook, and I always admired her ability to create delicious dishes from simple ingredients.

As we sat sipping our tea, Mrs. Lee began to tell me about a dish she had recently tried at a local restaurant. It was a dish of sesame noodles with grilled tofu, and she couldn't stop raving about how delicious it was. I could see the excitement in her eyes as she described the flavors and textures of the dish, and I knew I had to try it for myself.

Mrs. Lee was kind enough to share the recipe with me, and I eagerly set out to make it for my family that evening. I gathered all the ingredients - noodles, tofu, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a variety of spices - and set to work in the kitchen.

The first step was to marinate the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. I let it sit for a few hours to soak up all the flavors before grilling it to perfection. As the tofu sizzled on the grill, I boiled the noodles until they were al dente and tossed them in a savory sauce made from more sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of honey.

Once everything was ready, I assembled the dish, topping the noodles with the grilled tofu and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds. The aroma that wafted from the plate was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As my family sat down to dinner that night, I watched with anticipation as they took their first bites of the sesame noodles with grilled tofu. Their faces lit up with delight as they savored the flavors, and I knew I had struck gold with this recipe.

From that moment on, sesame noodles with grilled tofu became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for a cozy night in. Each time I prepared the dish, I thought of Mrs. Lee and the moment of discovery that had brought this delicious recipe into my life.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding a bit more spice here, a splash of vinegar there. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a perfect balance of flavors and textures that never fails to impress.

As I look back on that day with Mrs. Lee, I am grateful for her generosity in sharing this recipe with me. It has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a dish that brings joy and satisfaction to all who taste it.

And so, as I write down the recipe for sesame noodles with grilled tofu, I can't help but smile at the memories it evokes. The sense of anticipation, the joy of discovery, and the satisfaction of sharing something delicious with the ones I love. It is moments like these that make cooking such a special and rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the memories and flavors that fill my kitchen each day.