For the Hoisin-Glazed Tofu:
1/2 pound extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil, or another high-heat oil
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
For the Noodle Salad:
4 ounces dried rice noodle vermicelli
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon organic granulated sugar
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
3 cups shredded Napa cabbage
2 medium carrots, shredded or julienned
1/2 medium cucumber, seeded and julienned
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
2 scallions, chopped
1-2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced (optional)
1/4 cup roasted peanuts
Make the Crispy Tofu
Cut tofu into 1/2 inch cubes (or desired shape).
Coat a large, flat-bottomed skillet with oil and place it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer.
Cook the tofu for about 10 minutes, flipping once or twice to achieve browning on multiple sides.
Pour the hoisin sauce over the tofu and flip a few times to coat. Cook another minute or two, until the sauce thickens up just a bit.
Remove the tofu from heat and transfer it to a plate.
Make the Noodle Salad
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Remove it from heat, add the noodles and submerge them. Soak the noodles until tender, about 3 minutes (or refer to the package directions).
Drain the noodles into a colander and rinse them well with cold water. Leave the noodles in the colander to drain while you prepare the dressing.
Whisk the vinegar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, sugar, ginger and garlic together in small bowl.
Place the noodles into a bowl and add the cabbage, carrots, cucumber, cilantro, mint and scallions. Pour the dressing over the noodles and toss to coat.
Divide the noodle salad onto plates or into bowls. Top with tofu and peanuts. Serve.
The nutrition information is based on 3 servings, but you could get up to 6 side dish servings out of the recipe, or even make 2 giant meals out of it.
Calories 486 kcal
Saturated Fat 2.6g
Sodium 1422mg
Potassium 834mg
Carbohydrates 63.9g
Fiber 6.9g
Protein 16g
Calcium 245mg
Iron 5.1mg