Who doesn’t love a spicy, savory bowl of noodles? If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crispy textures, Garlic Chili Noodles with Crispy Tofu is the dish for you. This recipe combines the heat of chili oil, the depth of dark soy sauce, and the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked tofu. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting, this dish will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
What Are Garlic Chili Noodles?
The Origin of Garlic Chili Noodles
Garlic Chili Noodles draw inspiration from various Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese and Thai. These noodles are known for their spicy and aromatic profile, often featuring a combination of garlic, chili, and soy-based sauces.
Why Garlic Chili Noodles Are Popular
The popularity of Garlic Chili Noodles stems from their versatility and the way they can be tailored to different tastes. They’re quick to prepare, can be made with a variety of proteins and vegetables, and always deliver a punch of flavor.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Crispy Tofu
- Neutral Flavored Oil: Essential for frying tofu to achieve a crispy texture without imparting extra flavors.
- Extra Firm Tofu: Holds its shape well when crumbled and cooked, providing a satisfying texture.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating on the tofu.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds umami without too much salt.
- Dark Mushroom Soy Sauce: Gives depth and color to the tofu. Substitute with dark soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Minced Garlic: Infuses the tofu with rich, aromatic flavor.
Sauce
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Balances the flavors without overwhelming the dish with salt.
- Dark Mushroom Soy Sauce: Adds a robust, savory element. Can be substituted with dark soy sauce or tamari.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy contrast to the savory elements.
- Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: Introduces a hint of sweetness to balance the spice.
- Chili Oil: Delivers the signature heat and flavor.
Noodles & Toppings
- Udon Noodles: Thick and chewy, perfect for absorbing the sauce. Use thick rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
- Sesame Seeds: Optional, adds a nutty flavor and texture.
- Chili Oil: For drizzling, adds extra heat.
- Green Onions: Fresh and slightly pungent, they add color and flavor.
Health Benefits of Garlic Chili Noodles
This dish isn’t just tasty; it’s packed with nutrients. Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein and contains essential amino acids. Garlic and chili are known for their antioxidant properties and potential to boost metabolism.
Helpful Tools to Make This Recipe
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Mixing Bowls: For combining tofu, sauce, and noodles.
- Frying Pan: To achieve that perfect crisp on the tofu.
- Saucepan: For boiling the noodles.
- Strainer: To drain the noodles after cooking.
- Spatula: Useful for stirring and tossing ingredients.
Recommended Brands
- Soy Sauce: Kikkoman or San-J for tamari.
- Tofu: House Foods or Nasoya for extra firm tofu.
- Noodles: Hakubaku for udon or Lotus Foods for rice noodles.
How to Make Garlic Chili Noodles With Crispy Tofu
Preparing the Tofu
Crumble the Tofu: Use your hands to finely crumble the tofu into a mixing bowl. Aim for small, uniform chunks.
Coat with Cornstarch: Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and mix until evenly coated.
Cook the Tofu: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add tofu and cook for about 8 minutes until browned and crispy.
Add Garlic and Sauces: Add minced garlic, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce to the pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili oil.
- Stir to Mix: Ensure the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
Cooking the Noodles
Boil the Noodles: Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions until hot and separated.
Drain and Toss: Drain the noodles and add them to the bowl with the sauce. Toss to coat the noodles thoroughly.
Assembling the Dish
- Combine Noodles and Tofu: Add the crispy tofu to the noodles and mix gently.
- Add Toppings: Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil.
Serving Suggestions
Ideal Side Dishes
Consider serving these noodles with a refreshing cucumber salad or steamed vegetables like bok choy or broccoli.
Beverage Pairings
Pair with a chilled beer, a glass of white wine, or a non-alcoholic ginger beer for a refreshing contrast to the spicy noodles.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Garlic Chili Noodles
- Ensuring Tofu Crispiness: Make sure the tofu is thoroughly pressed to remove excess water before cooking.
- Enhancing the Flavor: Marinate the tofu in soy sauce and garlic for extra flavor before cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: This prevents the tofu from getting crispy. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Undercooking Noodles: Ensure noodles are fully cooked and separated to prevent clumping.
Customization Ideas
Adding Vegetables
Incorporate vegetables like bok choy, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Protein Alternatives
Try using chicken, shrimp, or tempeh instead of tofu for a different protein option.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Best Practices for Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How to Reheat
Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the noodles.
Nutritional Information
Garlic Chili Noodles with Crispy Tofu offer a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. The dish is relatively low in calories and can be made even healthier with additional vegetables.
FAQs
Yes, you can use rice noodles or even spaghetti as a substitute.
Reduce the amount of chili oil and avoid adding extra chili flakes.
Bok choy, bell peppers, cabbage, and mushrooms are excellent choices.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
Garlic Chili Noodles With Crispy Tofu
Ingredients
Crispy Tofu
- 1-2 tbsp neutral flavoured oil
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (tamari for GF)
- ½ tbsp dark mushroom soy sauce (or sub dark soy sauce or tamari if needed for GF)
- 3 cloves minced garlic
Sauce
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (tamari for GF)
- 2 tbsp dark mushroom soy sauce (or sub dark soy sauce or tamari if needed for GF)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp chili oil
Noodles & Toppings
- 4 packs udon noodles (use thick rice noodles for GF. See Notes)
- sesame seeds (optional)
- chili oil to drizzle on top
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
Crispy Tofu
- Use you hands to finely crumble up the tofu in a mixing bowl. The chunks should be quite small.
- Next, add the cornstarch onto the tofu and mix to combine.
- In a pan on medium heat, add the cooking oil and tofu and cook for about 8 minutes or until browned and crispy on the outside.
- Now add the minced garlic, soy sauce and dark soy sauce and cook for another 1-2 mins.
Sauce & Noodles
- While the tofu is cooking, prepare the sauce by adding soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar and chili oil to a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- Cook the instant udon noodles until they are hot and have separated.
- Add the cooked and drained noodles into the bowl with the sauce. Toss the noodles to combine them with the sauce.
Finishing Touches
- Top each bowl of noodles with the crispy tofu, green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil.
- Feel free to add any cooked veggies (see notes). I personally love to serve this with a side cucumber salad! Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Garlic Chili Noodles With Crispy Tofu
Garlic Chili Noodles with Crispy Tofu is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s easy to customize and perfect for any meal. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a delicious, restaurant-quality dish at home. Enjoy the bold flavors and crispy textures that make this recipe a favorite among noodle lovers.
YUM!! This was delicious and so quick an easy to make!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy cooking!
I really LOVED the crispy tofu on this dish. 10/10
Thank you so much! I’m delighted you loved the crispy tofu in the dish. Your rating of 10/10 means a lot!
I love udon noodles and this dish lived up to all my expectations. The crispy tofu on top was perfect, and the flavour of the spice was excellent.
Thank you! I’m thrilled to hear that the udon noodle dish met your expectations. The crispy tofu and the flavorful spices really make a difference!
I made this dish last night and it was very tasty love udon noodles and the crispy tofu was excellent. I used firm tofu and pressed it, and the texture was perfect.
That’s great to hear! I’m glad you enjoyed the dish. Using firm tofu and pressing it definitely helps achieve that perfect texture. Happy cooking!
Delicious easy and nutritious such a great recipe and I made it so quick
Thank you!! I’m so happy you loved it 🙂