Spicy Rice Noodles With Crispy Tofu And Spinach Recipes

SPICY RICE NOODLES WITH CRISPY TOFU AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. As the oven heats, press the tofu (you can do this by sandwiching the block in paper towels and placing a cutting board, plus a heavy pot, can or book on top).
• Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a medium bowl. Add the salt and oils, and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch, panko and sesame seeds, if using, and toss gently so the tofu cubes are coated.
• Spread on the prepared sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping once, until golden-brown and crisp.
• While the tofu bakes, start the noodles: Put the dry rice noodles in a big, wide bowl. Fill a kettle, bring the water to a boil, and pour the boiling water over the noodles to cover. Set aside for 6 to 10 minutes, until the noodles are fully rehydrated and soft. (Time may vary by brand.) Then drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Transfer noodles to a large bowl.
• As the noodles soak, prepare the spicy sesame oil: In a small pot, combine sesame oil, peanut oil, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes and sesame seeds. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook on the lowest heat for 10 to 12 minutes, until the garlic slices turn golden.
• Meanwhile, on your cutting board, make a small mound with the teaspoon of salt. Place the basil and the scallions on top, and use your knife to furiously chop and smash until you have a rough paste.
• Mix the basil paste into the bowl of rice noodles. Pile the baby spinach on top. Pour at least half of the hot oil immediately over the spinach, tossing so that the heat wilts the leaves slightly. Then add the juice of the 1/2 lime and toss to combine. Taste for salt and lime juice, and add more oil as you see fit.
• Arrange the tofu on top of the noodles, or mix them in so that the cubes hide like little treasures. For extra flair, garnish with additional sesame seeds and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.

SPINACH, TOFU AND SESAME STIR-FRY

Steps:

• Heat the canola oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet or wok, and add the tofu. Stir-fry until the tofu is lightly colored, three to five minutes, and add the garlic, ginger and chili flakes. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about one minute, and add soy sauce to taste. Add the spinach and stir-fry until the spinach wilts, about one minute. Stir in the sesame seeds, and add more soy sauce to taste. Remove from the heat.
• Using tongs, transfer the spinach and tofu mixture to a serving bowl, leaving the liquid behind in the pan or wok. Drizzle with the sesame oil, and add more soy sauce as desired. Serve with rice or other grains, or noodles. You may also use it as a filling for whole wheat pita bread.

SPICY YUMMY RICE NOODLES

Steps:

• Place the rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave them to soak according to the packet instructions, but a couple of minutes before the time is up check and drain them, as you want them slightly under cooked and still have a bite as they will finish cooking in the sauce.
• To cook the vegetables, heat 2 tablespoons of the sesame oil in a wok (or use a large saute pan with deep sides or big saucepan). Add the onion and cook for a couple of minutes until just starting to soften then add the red bell pepper and broccoli. Stir well and leave to cook for about 3 minutes on a medium to high heat.
• Meanwhile put the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil, the tamari, chili jam, coconut milk, peanut butter and vegetable stock into a measuring cup and stir together until totally combined - the hot stock helps to soften the peanut butter, so it mixes together more easily.
• Pour the sauce into the wok with the vegetables and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the carrot ribbons and toss to combine. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables - they should be just cooked.
• Drain the noodles in a colander, shake well to get rid of any excess water and add to the wok with the vegetables and sauce. Gently mix everything together making sure the noodles are well coated in the sauce.
• Divide between bowls or tip onto a large serving platter and garnish with toasted, chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro leaves.