If you’re looking for an easy and flavorful vegetarian recipe to spice up your dinner, these Szechuan noodles are sure to please. This dish can be customized with whatever veggies you have on hand, but broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, and frozen green beans make a delicious combination.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bursting with flavor
- Easy customization with various vegetables
- Plant-based protein from tofu
- Quick & easy meal perfect for busy weeknights
Ingredients:
For the noodles:
– 8 ounces of dried Chinese egg noodles or spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
For the stir-fry:
– 1 block of tofu (14 oz), pressed and sliced into bite-size pieces
– 2 cloves garlic,minced
– A small thumb-sized piece ginger root,diced
– Half head of broccoli,cut into florets（about 2 cups）
– Half butternut squash ,peeled and cubed( about 1 cup)
– Two medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped diagonally(about half cup)
– One cup frozen green beans
For the Sauce:
Ensure all sauces used are vegan
Mix together:
* two tablespoons soy sauce;
* one tablespoon sweet chilli sauce;
* one teaspoon hoisin sauce;
* one teaspoon spicy black bean sauce;(sauce can be substituted with regular black bean paste mixed in chili oil)
※ Optional : Add more Chilli flakes according to preference.
Garnish options:
Chopped scallions or cilantro(optional).
Crushed peanuts(optional).
## How To Make This Recipe:
Step-by-step method:
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Cook the egg noodles as per instructions on package until al dente.
Drain them under cold water, coat them with sesame oil and set aside. -
Mix all ingredients in the sauce list and keep ready.
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Next, heat up cooking oil in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
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Add pressed tofu slices into the heated-up cooking oil first, stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they turn light brown on both sides. Then remove from pan kept (on a plate )for later use.
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In the same pan add garlic, ginger,and chilli flakes(if desired). Stir fry until fragrant(10 to 20 seconds). Careful not to burn them!
6.Add broccoli pieces,stir again for a minute.
7.Add carrots & butternut squash,a bit of water if necessary then cover and cook for another two minutes.(Vegetables should be slightly soft yet crunchy texture).
8.Finally,during this process when vegetables reach the ideal state ,add tofu cubes , frozen green beans previously thawed,and cooked egg noodles,sauce mixtures.Pour carefully to avoid splatter .
9.Toss well throughout making sure everything is coated.Serve hot with your preferred garnishes(peanuts/ chopped spring onions).
Cooking time and Temperature Guideline:
This recipe can be made within 30-40 minutes.
Temperatures:
– Wok or frying pan over medium-high heat
Pro Tips:
1) Wash all vegetables thoroughly before usage.
2) Use fresh tofu
3) Pressing tofu prior enhances flavour
4) Prepare all ingredients prior then start cooking as it goes very fast.
Seasoning Options:
The seasonings that are listed are ones that work well together with the dish’s flavor profile .However you may substitute them as per taste preference .
Recipe Tips:
• Use fresh veggies instead of canned/frozen ones after washing properly .
• Tofu needs good press beforehand so it absorbs more flavors
• Do not overcook vegetables until they turn mushy.
• Add the sauce mixture slowly as not to overpower the dish with excess seasoning
Recommended Tools To Make This Recipe:
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Wok or frying pan
- Vegetable peeler and sharp knife
To Sum Up:
Spice up your dinner tonight with this easy-to-make vegetarian Szechuan Noodles recipe. Customize it to your liking by using whatever veggies you have on hand, add tofu for plant-based protein, and finish off with your preferred garnishes. Enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal in just 30 minutes!
FAQs
FAQ 1: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Answer: Yes! To make the recipe gluten-free, you can use rice noodles or any other gluten-free pasta of your choice. Make sure to check the label of your soy sauce and hoisin sauce to ensure they’re also gluten-free.
FAQ 2: Is there a way to reduce the spiciness of the dish?
Answer: If you prefer milder flavors, you can adjust the amount of chili paste or omit it entirely. Similarly, you can reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes used in the recipe. Additionally, serving cucumber slices or chopped fresh herbs like cilantro alongside your noodles can help cool down your taste buds.
FAQ 3: Can I add protein to this dish?
Answer: Absolutely! While this vegetarian version uses tofu as its main source of protein, feel free to customize it by adding cooked chicken breast or shrimp if desired. Alternatively, you could add extra firm chickpeas or edamame for a plant-based option that still packs a punch in terms of nutrition and flavor.
