Ingredients
For the Baked Tofu:
- 1 block (14-16 oz / 400-450g) extra-firm tofu, pressed for at least 30 minutes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or agave nectar)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot starch)
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil (like avocado or canola)
For the Noodles & Vegetables:
- 8–10 oz (225-280g) dried noodles of choice (ramen, udon, soba, rice noodles) or 12-14 oz fresh noodles
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 2 cups)
- Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1 cup snow peas, or 1 small head bok choy, chopped
For the Spicy Sauce:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce (or tamari)
- 2–3 tablespoons gochujang (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or agave nectar)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth or water, plus more if needed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (cornstarch slurry, optional for thickening)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped scallions (green onions)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- A squeeze of lime juice
Instructions
1. Prepare and Bake the Tofu:
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Once the tofu is pressed, tear or cut it into 1-inch cubes or pieces.
* In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger for the tofu marinade.
* Add the tofu pieces to the marinade and toss gently to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or longer in the fridge if time permits).
* Sprinkle the tablespoon of cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss again until lightly coated.
* Drizzle the tablespoon of neutral oil over the tofu and toss one last time.
* Spread the tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
2. Cook the Noodles:
* While the tofu is baking, cook your chosen noodles according to package directions until al dente.
* Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Spicy Sauce:
* In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2-3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, and 1/2 cup vegetable broth/water. Taste and adjust seasoning (more gochujang for heat, more maple syrup for sweetness, etc.).
* If you prefer a thicker sauce, prepare the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and set aside.
4. Stir-fry the Vegetables:
* Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet, wok, or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
* Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* Add the firmer vegetables like carrots and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
* Add the bell peppers (and any other softer vegetables like mushrooms or snow peas). Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until all vegetables are crisp-tender.
5. Combine and Serve:
* Pour the prepared spicy sauce over the vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
* If using the cornstarch slurry for a thicker sauce, whisk it in now and let the sauce simmer and thicken for about a minute.
* Add the cooked noodles and the baked tofu to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce.
* Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the noodles and tofu are well-coated with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the noodles to heat through. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more vegetable broth or water.
* Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 550-650 kcal