The Best Tofu Drunken Noodles Recipe
I regret to inform you that although the name of this dish is Tofu Drunken Noodles, no alcohol was actually used in the making. Why are they called drunken noodles you ask? One theory is that they are so spicy, people get drunk in the process – trying to quench their thirst. Even though drunken noodles have no alcohol in them, that doesn’t make them any less delicious! I just love the idea of these noodles – they are so simple to put together and create an outstanding dish that is both flavorful and filling! In my opinion, making your own noodles at home beats take out any day!
The Benefits Of Tofu
Tofu is made from soy bean curds and is an excellent source of protein (especially for vegans and vegetarians) – it also contains all nine essential amino acids!
Tofu is a valuable plant-based source of iron and calcium. A diet that contains a variety of plant-based foods helps contribute to overall health and wellbeing, and lowers the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. It can enhance your skin and hair, boost energy, and help maintain a healthy weight!
If the mere thought of eating Tofu turns you off, then by all means use chicken, beef, pork or whatever you fancy for this recipe!
Sauce
Sesame Oil – You can substitute for any nut or seed oil. A light oil like vegetable or peanut oil mixed with toasted sesame seeds will work as well. Soy Sauce – I used low sodium. Fish Sauce – If you don’t like the taste of fish sauce, you can add extra soy sauce or substitute with tamari. Brown Sugar – To sweeten the sauce. Honey – You can substitute with maple syrup or agave. Sriracha – You can substitute with your favourite hot sauce. Dark soy sauce – This is slightly sweeter than regular soy sauce, but it’s usually used to darken the color of sauces. If you can’t find it, you can replace it with regular soy sauce. I usually find this in my local Asian store. Oyster sauce – This sauce is made from oysters and it tastes like a combination of soy sauce and barbecue sauce. You can use hoisin instead. Garlic – Fresh is best! Minced. Water
Stir Fry
Sesame Oil – You can substitute for any nut or seed oil. Olive Oil – You can substitute vegetable oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil or avocado oil. Udon Noodles – I used cooked, Japanese udon. Tofu – Firm, chopped into small 1 inch pieces (you can substitute with chicken, shrimp, beef, or pork) Onion – I used a small onion, thinly sliced. Bell Pepper – I used a red bell pepper, thinly sliced. Additional Veggies – I used baby corn, broccoli florets, mushrooms and snap peas. Green Onion – Chopped.
This easy Asian noodle dish recipe is going to show you how cooking at home can be quid, easy, and just as good as takeout!
Make The Sauce
You need to start by making the sauce because this recipe goes fast once you begin cooking. So whisk all the sauce ingredients together super well in a small bowl. Then set it aside for a later step.
Cook The Tofu
In recipes with tofu, it’s always best to cook the tofu first and separately. This helps to keep it from crumbling. So start by heating both the olive oil and sesame oil over medium-high in a large skillet or wok. Then add the tofu and cook it on all sides for about 3 to 5 minutes to sear it. It’s important not to crowd the tofu so you may need to cook it in batches.
Add The Veggies To Cook
Next, add the onion and cook it for about 2 to 3 minutes or until it softens just a tad. Then add the bell pepper and mushrooms to the wok and continue to stir fry everything until the mushrooms start to brown and the peppers begin to get tender. Finally, add the broccoli, baby corn, and snap peas to the wok. Now, stir fry everything together again and cook for another 5 minutes. Keep in mind that to properly stir fry you must move the veggies and tofu around in the pan pretty often.
Add The Noodles And Serve
Once you are done stir frying the veggies and tofu, add the cooked udon noodles to the wok followed by the sauce. Now, toss everything together to fully coat while cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. Then remove the wok from the heat and serve the tofu drunken noodles with a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions.
Can I Make Vegan Tofu Drunken Noodles?
Yes! Just omit the fish sauce and double-check to make sure that your chosen brand of udon noodles is plant-based.
Can I Leave Out The Sriracha?
Of course, you can! Drunken noodles are typically known to be spicy, but the dish is just as tasty without the Sriracha. Remember there are no rules in cooking so be as creative as you like.
How To Serve
Another reason I love these tofu drunken noodles so much is because the ingredients are so interchangeable! You don’t have to use the veggies I listed above, you can use whatever you have at home! Try throwing in some water chestnuts or chopped carrot for a little crunch! One thing you do have to do, eat this hot! The aroma will make you want to eat it before it’s even out of the wok, trust me.
Leftovers
Store leftover tofu drunken noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, toss in the microwave or back into a skillet/wok until heated through. You CAN freeze your drunken noodles to have them keep longer but keep in mind they might lose their quality and are best served fresh.
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Mongolian Chicken Hoisin Chicken Udon Noodles Chicken Lo Mein Skillet Chicken Satay Chow Mein Shrimp Shiitake Noodles Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Mapo Tofu Chop Suey Easy Beef and Broccoli Garlic Noodles
