The Basics: How to Make Noodles with Tofu and Peanut Sauce

By CHOW Food Team, published on Friday, June 5, 2009 / Edit Post

From the store to the kitchen to the table: We outline the steps that get you from raw ingredients to your dinner tonight, free of measurements and complicated techniques. It’s a method you’ll remember and whip out whenever you like. It is the most basic way to make the thing you’re making.

  • WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
  • - a colander or strainer
  • - a blender
  • - a pound of cooked buckwheat or wheat noodles
  • - vegetable oil
  • - a pound of firm tofu
  • - two scallions
  • - one garlic clove, peeled
  • - four heaping spoonfuls of peanut butter (any kind)
  • - three spoonfuls of soy sauce
  • - a handful of cilantro
  • - the juice of one lime
  • - a spoonful of sugar
  • - a spoonful of sesame oil
  • - a spoonful of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
  • - one jalapeño, chopped (remove the seeds if you want less heat)
  • - a spoonful of fish sauce (optional)

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

PRINT PDF

  • 1. Rinse the cooked noodles with cold running water, drain, and toss with a drizzle of vegetable oil.

    Step 1

  • 2. Slice the tofu into 1/4-inch-thick strips and chop the scallions (both the white and green parts). Set aside.

    Step 1

  • 3. Place the remaining ingredients in the blender. Blend until smooth.

    Step 1

  • 4. Add a little hot water to the blender until the mixture reaches a saucy consistency. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula or spoon.

    Step 1

  • 5. To serve, place the noodles on a plate and top with the tofu, peanut sauce, and scallions.

    Step 1

Illustrations by Bill Russell

PDF
ALLThe Basics