Miso Udon Noodles With Spinach And Tofu Food

SPICY RICE NOODLES WITH CRISPY TOFU AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. As the oven heats, press the tofu (you can do this by sandwiching the block in paper towels and placing a cutting board, plus a heavy pot, can or book on top).
• Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a medium bowl. Add the salt and oils, and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch, panko and sesame seeds, if using, and toss gently so the tofu cubes are coated.
• Spread on the prepared sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping once, until golden-brown and crisp.
• While the tofu bakes, start the noodles: Put the dry rice noodles in a big, wide bowl. Fill a kettle, bring the water to a boil, and pour the boiling water over the noodles to cover. Set aside for 6 to 10 minutes, until the noodles are fully rehydrated and soft. (Time may vary by brand.) Then drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Transfer noodles to a large bowl.
• As the noodles soak, prepare the spicy sesame oil: In a small pot, combine sesame oil, peanut oil, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes and sesame seeds. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook on the lowest heat for 10 to 12 minutes, until the garlic slices turn golden.
• Meanwhile, on your cutting board, make a small mound with the teaspoon of salt. Place the basil and the scallions on top, and use your knife to furiously chop and smash until you have a rough paste.
• Mix the basil paste into the bowl of rice noodles. Pile the baby spinach on top. Pour at least half of the hot oil immediately over the spinach, tossing so that the heat wilts the leaves slightly. Then add the juice of the 1/2 lime and toss to combine. Taste for salt and lime juice, and add more oil as you see fit.
• Arrange the tofu on top of the noodles, or mix them in so that the cubes hide like little treasures. For extra flair, garnish with additional sesame seeds and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.

MISO MUSHROOM & TOFU NOODLE SOUP

Steps:

• Heat half the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the mushrooms and fry for 5-6 mins, or until golden. Transfer to a bowl using a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the remaining oil to the pan and fry the tofu for 3-4 mins, or until evenly golden.
• Mix the miso paste with 325ml boiling water in a jug. Cook the noodles following pack instructions, then drain and transfer to a bowl. Top with the mushrooms and tofu, then pour over the miso broth. Scatter over the spring onions just before serving.

SAUCY MISO MUSHROOMS WITH UDON NOODLES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. In a bowl, whisk the miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, garlic and half the sesame oil until smooth and combined. Line a baking tray with a large sheet of foil, place the mushrooms in the middle and scrunch up the sides to almost encase the mushrooms. Pour over the miso mix, turning the mushrooms to ensure they are well coated. Scrunch the packet of foil closed and bake for 30 mins.
• About 5 mins before the mushrooms are ready, heat the remaining oil in a wok, stir-fry the noodles until hot through then divide between 4 bowls. Top each bowl with 1 or 2 mushrooms and pour over the sauce from the foil. Scatter with sesame seeds and spring onions.

SESAME & SPRING ONION STIR-FRIED UDON WITH CRISPY TOFU

Steps:

• Drain and pat the tofu dry with kitchen paper. Cut into cubes, wrap in more kitchen paper, and place a heavy board over the top. Leave to drain for 15 mins.
• Mix the cornflour, chilli flakes and ground peppercorns together in a bowl with a pinch of salt, then add the drained tofu. Toss well to coat.
• Heat half the vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat, and fry the tofu pieces for 5-6 mins until golden all over. Scoop out of the pan, and leave to drain on kitchen paper.
• Add the remaining oil to the pan and stir-fry the spring onions and beans for 3-4 mins until tender and lightly golden. Pour a kettle of boiling water over the noodles in a sieve to loosen. Drain well, then tip into the pan. Fry for a few minutes until piping hot. Add the sesame oil and sesame seeds, and sizzle for a few seconds. Splash in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, then add the tofu. Toss well, then serve in bowls with a pinch of sesame seeds on top and more soy sauce on the side.