Tofu Spaghetti Noodle Recipes

MAPO TOFU SPAGHETTI

Steps:

• Prepare the mapo tofu sauce: If the tofu came as a block in water, discard the water. Cut the tofu into large chunks, then use a stand blender or immersion blender to whirl the tofu into an ivory smoothie.
• In a medium (3- or 4-quart) pot over medium heat, toast the Sichuan peppercorns for 2 to 3 minutes, until super fragrant and slightly darkened. (A wisp of smoke is OK.) Let cool briefly, then pound with a mortar and pestle or pulse in a spice grinder.
• Prepare the remaining sauce ingredients and set them near the stove.
• Warm the oil in the pot over high heat. When shimmering, add the meat. Stir and mash into cooked and crumbly pieces, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 2 1/2 tablespoons doubanjiang, the douchi (if using), ginger and red-pepper flakes (if using). Fry about 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly, until the mixture is a rich reddish brown.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the soy sauce and sugar. Scrape in the blended tofu. (If there's much left in the blender jar, add 1 tablespoon water and whirl to loosen it.) Stir to combine well, partly cover and bring to simmer. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop flavor throughout. Expect orange oil to appear on top.
• Taste the sauce and if needed, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon doubanjiang (for heat), or a pinch of salt (for savoriness) or sugar (to tame heat).
• Stir in the scallions, then add the cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened. Turn off the heat. Stir in half the crushed Sichuan peppercorns to seed a bit of zing. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to deepen flavor and color before using; a little lingering orange oiliness is normal. Makes about 2 1/2 cups. (You can also cool completely then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.)
• Prepare the spaghetti: Fill a large pot about halfway with water and add no more than 1 tablespoon of salt to lightly season. Bring to a boil over high heat, then add the spaghetti and boil until al dente according to package instructions. Ladle out about 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti. Briefly rinse to remove some of the starch and shake to expel excess water.
• In the same pot (or a clean large skillet, if you wish), warm the tofu sauce and 1/3 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water over medium heat. When hot and bubbling, add the spaghetti to the sauce. Use tongs to stir and coat the strands. Stir in extra pasta water by the tablespoon for a creamier, silkier finish, if desired.
• When satisfied, stir in the scallion and cook very briefly until just softened. Divide the pasta among plates or shallow bowls and serve topped with the cheese and the remaining ground peppercorns.

SCRAMBLED TOFU PASTA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a wok and stir-fry the peppers, onion garlic and chilli for 3-4 minutes Add the cumin, cook for a few seconds, then add the tomato and cook for a minute longer.
• Add the tofu and continue to cook until the tofu loses its "raw" taste (usually 3-4 mins). Add the pasta, mix well and heat through.
• Take of the heat and mix in the nutritional yeast (this is so that the yeast doesn't get overheated and lose some of its nutritional value). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle each serving with some chopped coriander.

CREAMY VEGAN TOFU NOODLES

Steps:

• Prepare the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until the noodles are just tender, about 6 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water and drain well again.
• As noodles cook, prepare the topping: Add vinegar, soy sauce, chile oil, scallion, ginger and 1 tablespoon water to a small bowl and stir to combine.
• Place the tofu, garlic, sugar, five-spice and 3/4 teaspoon salt into a blender or food processor and blend, adding about 6 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. (You may need up to 12 tablespoons of water, depending on your tofu.)
• Place the noodles in a large bowl and pour the tofu sauce on top. Add the cilantro and sesame oil, and toss until coated.
• To serve, divide the noodles among bowls. Top with the spicy soy-vinegar sauce, sesame seeds and cilantro sprigs.

TOFU STIR-FRY WITH NOODLES

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat; add tofu and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook,tossing occasionally, until golden, 8 to 10 minutes; transfer to a plate.
• Heat remaining tablespoon oil in same skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers, cabbage, garlic, pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt;toss to coat. Cover; cook, tossing occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make sauce: In a small bowl (or liquid measuring cup), stir together peanut butter and 1/4 cup hot water until smooth; stir in soy sauce and vinegar.
• Add tofu, leftover spaghetti, and sauce to skillet; simmer until heated through and saucy, 1 to 2 minutes.

SAUCY VEGETABLE TOFU

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the onion, pepper and zucchini in oil until crisp-tender., Stir in tofu and spaghetti sauce; heat through. Drain pasta; serve with tofu mixture.

TOMATO TOFU BASIL PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain, reserving 2 cups of the water.
• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Cook garlic in hot oil until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes; add tofu and continue cooking and stirring until browned, about 5 minutes more.
• Arrange tomatoes in the bottom of the saucepan so the cut sides are down; cook until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Squeeze the tomatoes with the back of a fork to release their juices.
• Pour 1 cup reserved water over the tomato mixture; bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid reduces slightly, about 5 minutes. Add more reserved water if the liquid gets too thick.
• Remove saucepan from heat; add drained penne. Stir cheese and basil through the pasta mixture; season with salt and pepper.

PESTO TOFU PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Stir in spiral pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• In a medium bowl, blend 1/4 cup olive oil, milk, and pesto sauce mix.
• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Place tofu in the skillet, and season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until evenly browned. Remove from heat, and drain on paper towels.
• Place mushrooms into the skillet, and cook about 5 minutes. Stir in the olives, capers, and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Mix in the tofu and pesto sauce. Continue cooking about 5 minutes before serving over the rotini. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and basil.