Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu Peanut Sauce

Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu Peanut Sauce Recipe | Vegan Food from Japan

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Soba noodles with spicy tofu peanut sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the nuttiness of peanut butter with the heat of cayenne pepper. This dish is perfect for those looking for a vegetarian meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

History

Soba noodles are a type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. They have been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries and are known for their nutty flavor and chewy texture. The addition of a spicy tofu peanut sauce to soba noodles is a modern twist on a traditional dish, adding a creamy and spicy element to the dish.

Ingredients

1-2 lb soba noodles
6 tbsp minced cilantro
2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded and sliced into matchsticks
5 tbsp chopped scallions
10 oz (283 g) firm tofu
2 cloves garlic
1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced
0.5 tbsp cayenne pepper
0.25 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey (or agave nectar, if you don't use honey)
1 cup soy milk
1 cup natural smooth peanut butter

How to prepare

Cook the pasta, drain it, and let it cool down slightly.
Transfer the noodles to a large bowl.
Add cilantro, cucumbers, and scallions, and gently toss them together.
In a food processor or blender, blend the tofu until smooth.
Add the garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, and blend until well combined.
In a medium saucepan over moderate heat, combine the honey, soy milk, and peanut butter. Stir constantly until mixed.
Remove from heat and add the tofu mixture. Beat with a wire whip.
If the mixture seems too thick, add more soy milk.
Serve with the sauce spooned over the noodles.

Variations

Add sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or edamame for additional vegetables.
Substitute almond butter or cashew butter for the peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles according to the package instructions to ensure they are cooked to the right consistency.

- When blending the tofu for the sauce, make sure to blend it until it is smooth to ensure a creamy texture.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

- If the sauce is too thick, simply add more soy milk to thin it out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soba noodles with spicy tofu peanut sauce as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

- Garnish with additional cilantro and chopped peanuts for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the noodles until al dente, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

- Blend the tofu until smooth for a creamy sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use rice noodles or udon noodles instead of soba noodles.

- Substitute tempeh or seitan for the tofu.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Cook the noodles ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soba noodles in individual bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a lime wedge on the side.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed broccoli or a cucumber salad for a complete meal.

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

- Approximately 450 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Soba noodles: 37g per serving

- Honey: 17g per serving

- Soy milk: 8g per serving

- Peanut butter: 6g per serving

- Total carbohydrates per serving: 68g

Fats

- Tofu: 11g per serving

- Peanut butter: 16g per serving

- Total fats per serving: 27g

Proteins

- Tofu: 10g per serving

- Peanut butter: 8g per serving

- Total proteins per serving: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Tofu is a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium.

- Peanut butter is rich in vitamin E, niacin, and manganese.

Alergens

Contains soy and peanuts

Summary

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Soba noodles with spicy tofu peanut sauce is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for vegetarians and those looking for a flavorful meal. With a creamy and spicy sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu Peanut Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend, Mrs. Lee, who was known for her fantastic cooking skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the delicious aromas wafting through the air.

Mrs. Lee greeted me with a smile and handed me a glass of iced tea. As we chatted, she began preparing our lunch. I watched in awe as she effortlessly chopped vegetables, cooked tofu, and boiled soba noodles. The kitchen was filled with the sound of sizzling pans and the clinking of utensils.

After a few minutes, Mrs. Lee presented me with a bowl of steaming soba noodles, topped with a generous serving of spicy tofu peanut sauce. The aroma was intoxicating, and my mouth watered in anticipation. I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The combination of the nutty peanut sauce and the spicy tofu was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I couldn't help but ask Mrs. Lee for the recipe. She laughed and told me that she had learned it from her grandmother, who had passed it down to her. Mrs. Lee graciously wrote down the ingredients and instructions for me, and I promised to give it a try at home.

That evening, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. As I cooked, memories of Mrs. Lee and her warm kitchen flooded my mind. I remembered the laughter we shared, the stories we told, and the joy of discovering a new recipe together.

After a few hours of cooking and tasting, I finally recreated Mrs. Lee's Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu Peanut Sauce. The flavors were just as delicious as I remembered, and I felt a sense of pride in being able to recreate a recipe that had been passed down through generations.

From that day on, Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu Peanut Sauce became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on lazy evenings. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to Mrs. Lee and her grandmother, who had so generously shared their recipe with me.

Years passed, and as I grew older, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. I tried different vegetables, spices, and even experimented with different types of noodles. But no matter how much I tweaked the recipe, the essence of Mrs. Lee's Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu Peanut Sauce remained the same.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipes that have been passed down to me over the years. Each one tells a story, a connection to the past, and a reminder of the love and joy that food can bring.

So, the next time you sit down to a steaming bowl of Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu Peanut Sauce, remember that behind every recipe lies a story waiting to be told. And perhaps, just perhaps, you'll feel a connection to the generations of cooks who have come before you, sharing their love and passion for food with each delicious bite.