Ginger Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu

Name: Ginger Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 8 oz rice noodles (or spaghetti); 2 tbsp neutral oil; 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix; 1 cup matchstick carrots; 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; 1 small garlic clove, grated; 2 to 4 tbsp hot water, to thin; 2 tbsp chopped peanuts and sliced scallions

A fast, saucy noodle bowl with crisp tofu and a gingery peanut-lime sauce.

Prep: 12 · Cook: 15 · Total: 27 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (214 reviews)

INSPIRED BY

I wanted a takeout-style peanut noodle bowl that uses supermarket shortcuts and one simple sauce.

Story

This is the kind of bowl I make when the fridge is half vegetables and everyone is hungry right now. The peanut sauce is forgiving, you can thin it with warm water until it feels just right. Once the tofu turns golden, dinner is basically done, and the noodles take on that glossy, clingy coat that makes the whole thing feel special.

By Casey

Ingredients

14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
8 oz rice noodles (or spaghetti)
2 tbsp neutral oil
2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
1 cup matchstick carrots
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 small garlic clove, grated
2 to 4 tbsp hot water, to thin
2 tbsp chopped peanuts and sliced scallions

Instructions

Cook the noodles in salted water until just tender, then drain and rinse under cool water.
Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, ginger, and garlic, then add hot water a spoonful at a time until pourable.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet, add tofu, and cook until golden on two or three sides, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Add cabbage and carrots to the skillet, toss for 2 minutes to soften slightly.
Add noodles and pour in the sauce, then toss over low heat until everything is glossy and warmed through.
Top with peanuts and scallions, taste, and add an extra squeeze of lime if you want it brighter.

Chef Tips

Press tofu with a towel and a heavy pan for 5 minutes if you are short on time.
Use coleslaw mix to skip chopping and keep this truly weeknight fast.
If the sauce tightens, splash in a tablespoon of warm water and toss again.
For heat, stir a little chili garlic sauce into the peanut sauce.

Cook's Notes

**Noodles:** Rice noodles keep it gluten-free, but spaghetti works in a pinch.
**Tofu:** Extra-firm is easiest, if it is very wet, press a little longer.
**Veg add-ins:** Snap peas, cucumbers, or baby spinach all work.
**Make-ahead:** Stir the sauce, store it, then loosen with warm water right before tossing.

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