Crispy Egg Noodles with Tofu & Peanut Sauce

(1)

This peanut-tofu noodle dish is inspired by chow mein, a Chinese American dish featuring fried noodles. Pan-crisping the noodles here mimics the crunch of the traditional dish, but limits the saturated fat. Look for lo mein or egg noodles at your local Chinese market or in the international aisle of major grocery stores.

Chinese Crispy Noodles with Tofu & Peanut Sauce
Prep Time:
50 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings

Ingredients

Tofu

  • 1 (14 ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

Peanut Sauce

  • ¼ cup creamy natural peanut butter

  • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

  • ½ tablespoon lime zest

  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

Noodle Bowl

  • 4 ounces Chinese noodles, such as Kame

  • 2 cups shredded carrots

  • 1 cup shredded red or green cabbage

  • ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

  • ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh mint

  • ½ cup unsalted roasted peanuts, chopped

  • 4 scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced

  • Lime wedges for serving

Directions

  1. To prepare tofu: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut tofu crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with 3 layers of paper towels. Cover with another 2 to 3 layers of paper towels. Gently press on the tofu to remove excess liquid. Discard the paper towels. Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes.

  2. Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large cast-iron or other heavy ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until crispy, 10 to 15 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, prepare sauce: Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, lime zest, lime juice, sesame oil, honey, and crushed red pepper, if using, in a small bowl. Set aside.

  4. To prepare noodle bowl: Cook noodles in boiling water according to package directions, about 3 minutes. Drain.

  5. When the tofu is ready, transfer it to a plate and keep warm. Carefully set the hot skillet over medium-high heat. (Be mindful of the hot handle!) Heat 1/2 tablespoon canola oil to shimmering; add the cooked noodles, pressing them into a thin layer in the bottom of the pan. Cook until the underside is browned and crispy in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully flip the noodles and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil, drizzling it around the edge of the pan to allow it to stream down; cook until the underside is browned and crispy in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.

  6. Transfer the cooked noodles to a serving dish and top with carrots, cabbage, cilantro, mint and the tofu. Drizzle with the peanut sauce. Sprinkle with peanuts and scallions. Serve with lime wedges.

Tips

To make ahead: Prepare sauce (Step 3) and refrigerate for up to 1 day.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

542 Calories
34g Fat
41g Carbs
23g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 542
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 41g 15%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 23g 46%
Total Fat 34g 44%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Sodium 278mg 12%
Potassium 519mg 11%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Related Articles