Sesame Tofu and Noodle Delight

This Sesame Tofu and Noodle Delight is a quick and easy weeknight meal that's packed with flavor. The tofu is marinated in a savory sauce and then pan-fried until crispy, while the noodles are cooked until tender. The two are then combined in a flavorful sauce and served immediately.

This recipe is inspired by the classic Chinese dish, mapo tofu. Mapo tofu is a spicy, savory dish that is typically made with ground pork or beef, tofu, and a variety of vegetables. This recipe takes the classic dish and gives it a modern twist by using crispy tofu and thin noodles.

Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/2 pound of thin noodles

Instructions

1. Press the tofu between two plates to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper.
3. Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
5. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain the noodles and add them to the skillet with the tofu.
6. Toss the noodles and tofu to combine. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The cornstarch in the marinade helps to create a crispy crust on the tofu.
• The soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper in the marinade add flavor to the tofu.
• The noodles add a chewy texture to the dish.
• The sauce is simple to make and adds a savory flavor to the dish.