Looking for a dinner that’s super flavorful and comes together fast? These spicy peanut noodles with crispy tofu are just the ticket. They’re perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something satisfying but don’t have a lot of time. Plus, who doesn’t love noodles coated in a rich, spicy peanut sauce? It’s a meal that hits all the right spots.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 block (about 14 ounces) extra firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for cooking
- 8 ounces dried noodles (like spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 to 4 tablespoons hot water, to thin the sauce
Step By Step Making
- Prep the Tofu: First, drain the tofu and press it to get out as much water as possible. You can use a tofu press or wrap it in paper towels and place something heavy on top for about 15-30 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite sized cubes. In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This helps them get nice and crispy.
- Cook the Tofu: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the cornstarch coated tofu in a single layer. Cook for about 5 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. You might need to do this in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Once crispy, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: While the tofu is cooking or resting, let’s make the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the hot water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. It should be pourable but still thick enough to coat the noodles.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still with a slight bite). In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to blanch them.
- Combine Everything: Drain the noodles and broccoli well. Return them to the pot or a large serving bowl. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and broccoli. Add the shredded carrots and the crispy tofu. Toss everything together gently until the noodles and veggies are well coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Divide the spicy peanut noodles among serving bowls. Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious, easy dinner. For more wholesome meal ideas, check out this Hearty Lentil Shepherd’s Pie on Azeely.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
This is an estimate, and actual values can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Around 450 550 calories
- Protein: Approximately 20 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: About 40 50 grams
Health Benefits
This meal offers several great benefits. Tofu is a fantastic source of plant based protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. Peanut butter provides healthy fats that are good for your heart. Plus, the vegetables like broccoli and carrots add fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health. The ginger and garlic in the sauce also have properties that can help with digestion and boost your immune system. It’s a well rounded meal that nourishes your body.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
