Spicy Peanut Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables: A Quick & Flavorful Escape
Craving a vibrant and flavorful meal that's both satisfying and quick to prepare? These Spicy Peanut Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables deliver a delightful combination of tender noodles tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce, punctuated by crispy tofu and a medley of fresh, crunchy vegetables. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight when you want a healthy, delicious, and comforting escape. This #peanutsauce recipe is a FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com favorite for its quick preparation and satisfying flavors.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavorful & Satisfying: The creamy peanut sauce is rich and addictive.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein and vegetables.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to your liking.
- Perfect for Weeknights: A delicious and convenient dinner solution.
Ingredients
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (to taste)
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup warm water (to thin)
For the Noodles & Vegetables:
- 225g (8 oz) dried noodles (spaghetti, linguine, or udon)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 225g (8 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp sesame oil.
- Prepare Tofu: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tofu until golden and crispy (5-7 minutes).
- Sauté Vegetables: Add bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli to the skillet. Cook until tender-crisp (3-5 minutes).
- Make Peanut Sauce: Whisk together all peanut sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Combine: Add cooked noodles, tofu, and vegetables to the skillet. Toss with peanut sauce to coat.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with green onions and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Pressing Tofu: Pressing the tofu removes excess water, resulting in crispier tofu.
- Vegetable Variations: Use snap peas, bok choy, or mushrooms.
- Protein Options: Add chicken, shrimp, or edamame.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Serving Suggestions
These #noodles are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of steamed rice or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts adds a nice textural element.
More Quick & Easy Recipes
For more quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas, be sure to check out FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com. We've got plenty of delicious and convenient recipes to make your weeknight cooking a breeze!