Zesty Asparagus and Tofu Noodle Stir-Fry
Experience a burst of flavors with this Zesty Asparagus and Tofu Noodle Stir-Fry, a delightful vegetarian dish inspired by Mollie Katzen's renowned "Still Life with Menu." This vibrant meal features tender asparagus and savory tofu nestled among perfectly cooked noodles, all coated in a tangy sauce of soy, lemon, and garlic. Ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner, this quick and easy recipe allows you to prepare the marinade in advance, making it a perfect choice for busy schedules. Serve it fresh from the wok, garnished with crunchy toasted sesame seeds or cashews for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Scallions
8 (minced)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
Fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (grated)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup
Chinese dark sesame oil
2 tablespoons
Water
3 tablespoons
Honey or sugar
1 tablespoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Vermicelli or linguine
1/2 lb
Tofu
1/2 lb (in small dice)
Peanut oil or canola oil
2 tablespoons
Slim asparagus
1 lb (trimmed and cut diagonally into 1-inch lengths)
Mushrooms
15 (sliced)
Toasted sesame seeds or cashews
(for topping)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the scallions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh lemon juice, sesame oil, water, honey (or sugar), and salt. Gently fold in the diced tofu. Cover and let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
2
While the tofu marinates, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the vermicelli or linguine according to package instructions until tender. Drain the noodles, rinse them briefly under warm water, and set aside to cool.
3
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of peanut oil (or canola oil) and allow it to heat for a minute. Add the trimmed and diagonally cut asparagus along with the sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
4
Add the drained noodles to the wok, using tongs to gently toss and combine with the vegetables. Stir-fry for an additional 3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are well-mixed with the veggies.
5
Pour the marinated tofu and sauce from the bowl over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Continue to stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes more, or until everything is heated through and the sauce is evenly distributed.
6
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds or cashews for added crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
20g
Carbs
9g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Asparagus and Tofu Noodle Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant vegetarian dish featuring tender asparagus and savory tofu served with noodles in a tangy soy, lemon, and garlic sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is fully vegetarian and uses tofu as the primary protein source.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 180 calories per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This stir-fry provides 9g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The dish contains 7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
Each serving contains 20g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains 2.5g of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the Zesty Asparagus Stir-Fry?
There is 2g of sugar per serving.
How long should I marinate the tofu?
The tofu should be marinated for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
What ingredients are in the tofu marinade?
The marinade includes scallions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, sesame oil, water, and honey or sugar.
What types of noodles can I use for this recipe?
You can use either vermicelli or linguine for this stir-fry.
How much tofu is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of tofu cut into small dice.
How should the asparagus be cut?
The asparagus should be trimmed and cut diagonally into 1-inch lengths.
What kind of mushrooms are needed?
The recipe requires 15 sliced mushrooms.
What oil is recommended for stir-frying?
Peanut oil or canola oil is recommended for cooking the vegetables.
Can I substitute honey with sugar?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of either honey or sugar in the marinade.
What type of sesame oil is used?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of Chinese dark sesame oil.
How should I prepare the noodles?
Cook them in boiling salted water until tender, drain them, and rinse briefly under warm water.
How long do I stir-fry the vegetables?
The asparagus and mushrooms should be stir-fried for about 3 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
When do I add the tofu to the wok?
Add the marinated tofu and its sauce after the noodles have been combined with the stir-fried vegetables.
What are the suggested garnishes?
Garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds or cashews for extra crunch.
How many scallions are needed?
The recipe calls for 8 minced scallions.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Mollie Katzen's book "Still Life with Menu."
Is this dish considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy recipe suitable for busy weeknight dinners.
How much ginger is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger.
How much garlic is included?
The marinade requires 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Is the dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How much lemon juice is needed for the zestiness?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
How many total ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total, including the topping.
Should the noodles be served hot?
Yes, the dish should be served immediately fresh from the wok while everything is heated through.