Sesame Spring Onion Stir-Fried Udon with Crispy Tofu: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal

Udon, thick Japanese wheat noodles, are a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various dishes. One popular preparation is stir-frying udon with vegetables and a savory sauce. In this recipe, we combine the flavors of sesame oil, spring onions, and crispy tofu to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

For the Udon: - 1 package (1 lb) udon noodles - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons mirin - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/4 cup water For the Stir-Fry: - 8 ounces extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 1 cup spring onions, sliced diagonally - 1/2 cup sliced carrots - 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color) - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Udon: Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch. 2. Marinate the Tofu: In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch. 3. Fry the Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the tofu and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. 4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the sesame oil. Add the spring onions, carrots, and bell peppers and stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. 5. Combine the Ingredients: Return the udon noodles and crispy tofu to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, mirin, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar. Toss the ingredients together to combine. 6. Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Tips:

- For a more savory flavor, use dark soy sauce instead of light soy sauce. - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. - If you don't have mirin, you can substitute rice wine or dry sherry. - Top the udon with a fried egg for an extra protein boost.

Conclusion:

Sesame Spring Onion Stir-Fried Udon with Crispy Tofu is a quick and easy dish to prepare that combines the flavors of sesame oil, spring onions, and crispy tofu. It's a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish.