Peanut Ginger Tofu Noodle Salad
This vibrant Peanut Ginger Tofu Noodle Salad is a delightful summer dish that's perfect for a quick and satisfying after-work meal. With marinated firm tofu roasted to perfection and tossed with nutty soba noodles, crisp radishes, and fresh pea shoots, this salad is loaded with flavor and texture. The creamy peanut sauce enhances the bold flavors of soy and ginger, while a hint of chili adds a gentle kick. Perfect for meal prep, this versatile dish can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a fantastic addition to your summertime lunch or snack repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
firm tofu
1 lb (drained and sliced into 4 pieces)
soy sauce
1/3 cup (for marinating and extra to taste)
mirin
1/3 cup (for marinating)
fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (peeled and minced)
soba noodles
8 ounces (or other thin noodles)
daikon radishes
6 ounces (cut into long matchstick shapes)
fresh pea shoots
2 cups (washed and trimmed)
carrot
1 cup (cut into fine matchstick shapes)
smooth peanut butter
3 tablespoons (for the sauce)
Asian chili paste with garlic
1 teaspoon (for the sauce)
chicken broth
3 tablespoons (or water for vegetarian option)
coconut milk
1/3 cup (for the sauce)
packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons (for the sauce)
fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (for the sauce)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the firm tofu into 4 equal pieces. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, and minced ginger. Add the sliced tofu to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours, turning the tofu occasionally to absorb the flavors. After marinating, remove the tofu from the marinade and gently wipe off any solids to ensure even cooking.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet and arrange the marinated tofu pieces on it. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tofu is golden and slightly firm. Once baked, remove the tofu from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
3
For the peanut sauce, combine the smooth peanut butter, Asian chili paste with garlic, chicken broth (or water for a vegetarian option), coconut milk, brown sugar, and lime juice in a blender. Blend until smooth; the sauce should have a consistency similar to heavy cream. This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before using.
4
In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the soba noodles according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 4 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse them thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
5
Add the cut radishes, fresh pea shoots, and fine matchstick carrots to the bowl with the noodles. Toss everything together with half of the prepared peanut sauce, adding more sauce to taste.
6
To serve, divide the noodle and vegetable mixture among 4 plates or shallow bowls. Top each serving with pieces of the roasted tofu and drizzle with additional peanut sauce if desired. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peanut Ginger Tofu Noodle Salad?
It is a vibrant summer dish featuring marinated roasted tofu, nutty soba noodles, crisp radishes, and fresh pea shoots, all tossed in a creamy peanut ginger sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly, especially if you use water or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the peanut sauce.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan if you choose water or vegetable broth as the liquid component in the sauce.
What kind of tofu should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of firm tofu, drained and sliced into four equal pieces.
How long should I marinate the tofu?
You should marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes, but it can be left for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
What ingredients are in the tofu marinade?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, mirin, and minced fresh ginger.
At what temperature do I bake the tofu?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tofu on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
How long does the tofu take to roast?
The tofu should bake for 20-25 minutes until it is golden and slightly firm.
What are soba noodles?
Soba noodles are Japanese noodles made from buckwheat, known for their nutty flavor and thin texture.
How long should I cook the soba noodles?
Cook the soba noodles in boiling salted water for about 4 minutes or until al dente.
Should I rinse the noodles after cooking?
Yes, rinse the noodles thoroughly with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and keep them firm.
What is in the peanut sauce?
The sauce is made by blending smooth peanut butter, Asian chili paste, broth (or water), coconut milk, brown sugar, and lime juice.
Can the peanut sauce be made in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How do I serve the sauce if it was refrigerated?
If the sauce was stored in the fridge, bring it back to room temperature before using it in the salad.
What vegetables go into this salad?
The salad features daikon radishes, fresh pea shoots, and carrots.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The radishes and carrots should be cut into fine matchstick shapes, and the pea shoots should be washed and trimmed.
Is the dish spicy?
It has a gentle kick from the one teaspoon of Asian chili paste with garlic used in the peanut sauce.
Can I eat this salad cold?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is a fantastic option for meal prep as the components hold up well in the fridge.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is designed to be divided among 4 plates or shallow bowls.
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, if you don't have soba noodles, you can use other thin noodles as a substitute.
What consistency should the peanut sauce have?
The sauce should be blended until it has a consistency similar to heavy cream.
Why do I need to wipe the tofu after marinating?
Wiping off any solids (like ginger bits) from the marinade ensures the tofu cooks evenly without burning.
How do I assemble the salad?
Toss the noodles and vegetables with half the sauce, then plate them and top with roasted tofu and extra drizzle.
Is mirin necessary for the marinade?
Mirin adds a characteristic sweetness and acidity to the marinade that balances the soy sauce and ginger.
What are pea shoots?
Pea shoots are the tender young leaves and stems of pea plants, adding a fresh crunch to the salad.
Does this recipe contain coconut?
Yes, the peanut sauce uses 1/3 cup of coconut milk for creaminess.
How much ginger is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of peeled and minced fresh ginger in the marinade.
Can I add more soy sauce?
Yes, you can add extra soy sauce to the marinade or as a seasoning at the end to suit your taste.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, while the tofu needs time to marinate, the active cooking and assembly time is relatively short.