Lunch: Cold Peanut Noodles with Tofu and Red Peppers

Recipe By: Grace Parisi A vast improvement on the usual sesame noodles made famous by a million Chinese take-out menus, this silky version includes chunks of tofu and sweet, crunchy slices of red bell pepper.

Ingredients

1/2 lb. firm tofu
1/4 c. plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce
3/4 lb. Chinese chow mein noodles or thin linguine
1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. chicken stock or low-sodium broth
1 tbsp. rice vinegar
3/4 tsp. Chinese chile-garlic sauce
1 tbsp. chopped fresh ginger
1 clove garlic
3/4 tsp. Asian sesame oil
2 red bell peppers
3 scallions
cilantro sprigs

Instructions

In a large bowl, toss the tofu with 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce and let stand for 10 minutes.
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the chow mein noodles and cook until they are al dente. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water. Shake out the excess water and add the noodles to the tofu and soy sauce.
Meanwhile, in a blender, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of soy sauce with the peanut butter, chicken stock, rice vinegar, chile-garlic sauce, ginger, garlic and sesame oil and puree until a smooth sauce forms. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles, add the sliced red bell peppers and scallions and toss. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Wine Recommendation: Nutty, zesty Orvieto Classico: 2006 La Carraia.

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