Recipe: Tofu, Noodles and Pea Pods in a Thai Peanut Sauce

Your family will flip for this delicious Thai-inspired peanut, tofu and noodle dish. The pea pods, cilantro and scallions bring color and flavor to the peanut sauce, which is a great source of monounsaturated fat. Make it vegan if you like.

Ingredients

For pasta:

8 ounces soba or udon noodles
6 scallions, including a few inches of green, sliced on the diagonal
4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup thinly sliced pea pods
1 cup mung bean sprouts

For preparing peanut sauce:

¼ cup natural peanut butter or reduced fat smooth or chunky versions
1 garlic clove, minced
1 ½ tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
pinch of cayenne pepper, to taste
¼ cup hot water

For preparing tofu:

1 carton extra firm tofu
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 Tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
1 Tablespoon molasses
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil for the noodles. While the water is heating, prepare the tofu, peanut sauce and garnishes.
2. Thinly slice pea pods with a sharp knife; dice scallions on a diagonal and finely chop the fresh cilantro. Set aside.
3. Combine all peanut sauce ingredients in a food processor, except for the water, and puree until smooth. Gradually pour in the water. Taste and add more cayenne if needed.
4. Drain the tofu with a paper towel; cut into 1-inch cubes and blot again with paper towel.
5. While tofu is draining, combine the next 6 ingredients in a small bowl. Season with pepper. Heat a large nonstick pan and spray lightly with cooking spray.
6. When the pan is hot, add tofu and cook over medium-high heat (without turning) until slightly golden and crisp, about 7 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side.
7. Pour in the marinade, bean sprouts and pea pods and coat entirely. Cook over medium heat until the tofu is glazed, pea pods are slightly crunchy, and the sauce is of a syrup consistency. Don’t let it cook so long it gets sticky.
8. Add noodles to the boiling water and give a stir. Cook until tender but not mushy and drain.
9. Immediately put the pasta in the pan with the tofu and vegetables. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles, tofu and vegetables and toss. If the sauce needs thinning, add a bit of hot water. Add the thinly sliced scallions and cilantro, reserving some for serving.
10. Prepare each serving and garnish with the remaining cilantro and scallions.

Nutrition information

Makes 5 servings.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Calories: 390
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 680mg
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 19g

Recipe provided by Melissa Stevens, MS, RD, LD, Nutrition Program Coordinator, Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitative Services.