Craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes? Look no further than this delightful Udon Noodles with Black Pepper Tofu! This Asian-inspired recipe combines the chewy goodness of udon noodles with crispy, marinated tofu and vibrant mixed vegetables, all brought together by a savory black pepper sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Get ready to elevate your cooking game and impress everyone at the dinner table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g udon noodles
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by draining tofu and pressing out excess moisture using paper towels. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat dry thoroughly to ensure crispy exterior.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, ground black pepper, and sesame oil to create a marinade. Gently toss tofu cubes in the marinade, ensuring even coating. Let marinate for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
- Wash and chop mixed vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces. Slice green onions diagonally for garnish and set aside.
- Bring a medium pot of water to boil. Add udon noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent further cooking.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally to create a golden-brown crispy exterior on all sides.
- Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add cooked udon noodles to the skillet, tossing gently to combine with tofu and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Transfer to serving plates, garnish with chopped green onions, and drizzle with additional sesame oil if desired.
- Serve hot, optionally with extra black pepper or soy sauce on the side for additional seasoning.
Tips
- Press the Tofu: For the best texture, make sure to press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve that coveted crispy exterior when cooking.
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the tofu with the rich flavors of soy sauce and black pepper.
- Cook Noodles Perfectly: Be careful not to overcook the udon noodles. They should be tender but still have a slight bite to them. Rinse them under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process.
- High Heat for Stir-Frying: When stir-frying the tofu and vegetables, ensure your skillet or wok is hot enough. Cooking on medium-high heat helps achieve that delicious caramelization.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas work wonderfully, but you can use any seasonal veggies you have on hand.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the green onions! They add a fresh crunch and a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing and enhances the overall flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve it right away for the best texture and taste, and consider providing extra soy sauce or black pepper on the side for those who like a little more kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
