Spicy Garlic Noodles with Crumbled Tofu and Cucumber Salad
Nathalie Nicole
Photo by James Ransom
- Serves
- 4
- Prep Time
- 30 Minutes
- Cook Time
- 25 Minutes
This savory, heady combination is reminiscent of Szechuan pork noodles, but believe me, you will not miss the meat. The contrast of flavors and temperatures makes this dish especially satisfying. It keeps well if made ahead of time, intensifying in flavor. These noodles are excellent hot, cold, or room temperature.
Ingredients
For the cucumber salad:
- 1 large Persian cucumber, diced
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 handful cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon grapeseed oil (or other neutral tasting oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For the noodles:
- 1 (16-ounce) box fettuccine noodles (or other thick wheat noodle)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 14 ounce extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoon peanut oil
- 4 ounce sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1 large shallot, finely diced
- 1 inch knob of ginger, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce or Bragg's liquid aminos
- 2 tablespoon chili sauce (I used Sriracha)
- 2 tablespoon agave nectar (or honey)
- 1/2 cup broth of choice
- 2 sliced scallions, for garnish
Featured Video
This gem of a recipe is quick, simple, and delightfully full of flavor. It also came together with mostly pantry staples plus a quick stop in the produce aisle for one or two items. The cool, crisp cucumber salad can stand all on its own, but serves as a perfect counterpoint to the silky, spicy noodles.
Directions
Instructions
- Step 1
Salt the diced cucumber and allow it to sit in a tea towel-lined colander for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, boil the noodles according to package directions. Once drained, toss them with the sesame oil. Wrap the towel around the cucumber and gently squeeze out some liquid. Combine cucumber with the remaining salad ingredients in a bowl and set it aside in the refrigerator.
- Step 2
Crumble the tofu into a mixing bowl and combine with the cornstarch and five spice powder. Coat the bottom of a wok or frying pan with peanut oil and heat on high until it’s almost smoking. Brown the tofu, stirring continuously, until it resembles cooked, ground meat. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside; don't clean the pan.
- Step 3
Add the mushrooms, shallots, ginger, and garlic to the pan, using more oil if necessary. Lower the heat to medium and sauté until the mushrooms are golden and the shallots are slightly caramelized. Add the soy sauce, chili sauce, and agave nectar. Return the tofu to the pan. Add the broth to the mixture and cook for an additional minute, stirring to combine.
- Step 4
Toss the mixture with the noodles and scallions. Top with cucumber salad.