Garlic Noodles With Marinated Tofu

Ready for a super fast yet super tasty flavor explosion? Crunchy veg, smooth noodles and crispy marinated tofu, combined with a sweet and spicy sauce, this one is perfect for a midweek meal.

Serves 4

Ingredients
3 noodle cakes

1 pack of extra-firm tofu

4 tbsp sesame oil, divided

5 tbsp tamari or soy sauce, divided

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp neutral oil

10 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tbsp ginger, grated

1 red chili pepper, seeds removed and chopped (use as little or many chilis as you want, depending on the spice level of the chili pepper)

1 tsp cane sugar

4 scallions, chopped

2 cups savoy cabbage, shredded

2 cups steamed broccoli

1 tbsp corn starch

Salt, to taste

Directions
Cook the noodles according to package instructions and set aside

Pat dry the tofu using a kitchen towel & press with a heavy object on it to remove the excess water. Cut into small cubes & mix in a bowl with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil & 1 tsp garlic powder. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a non-stick/cast iron skillet to medium-high.

With a pair of tongs, gently place the marinated tofu on the skillet, without overcrowding it.

Cook the tofu until crispy & brown, gently flipping the cubes halfway, about 10-15 minutes. Turn off heat, remove the tofu cubes from the skillet & set them aside.

To the same skillet, add 3 Tbsp sesame oil & cook garlic until brown. Remove the garlic using a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate, leaving the sesame oil in the wok

Add chopped red chili peppers, grated ginger, 4 Tbsp tamari (or soy sauce), sugar, & sauté for 1 minute, stirring continuously.

Add the scallions, shredded cabbage & sauté for 4 minutes on high, stirring often.

Meanwhile, whisk together add 3/4 cup of water, salt, & corn starch in a small bowl.

Gently add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, reduce heat, and bring the cornstarch mixture to a simmer.

Stir in the steamed broccoli.

Reduce heat to the minimum, add the cooked noodles & stir gently to combine, making sure the noodles are coated in the sauce.

Check for seasoning & serve hot, topped with the fried tofu, fried/browned garlic & more chili peppers, if you like!