She Strengthens

Portable Perfection: A Chinese-Inspired Cold Noodle Salad

When it comes to convenient, delicious meals on-the-go, this cold noodle salad is the ultimate winner. With its Chinese-inspired flavors and easy-to-pack design, it’s perfect for picnics, office lunches, school meals, and potlucks.

A Quick and Easy Recipe

This recipe comes together in just three simple steps, taking a total of 25 minutes to prepare. With a medium level of difficulty, it’s accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

Step 1: The Flavorful Sauce

To make the sauce, whisk together 1 1/2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, 1 large minced garlic clove, 1 1/2 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger, 2 thinly sliced green onions, 3 tablespoons of reduced-sodium tamari or soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of unseasoned rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of canola oil, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil. Set the sauce aside for later use.

Step 2: Preparing the Noodles and Tofu

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 9 ounces of fresh Chinese egg noodles (or 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine) until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Meanwhile, dry 1/2 block of extra-firm tofu by pressing it with paper towels, then dust it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, coating all sides evenly.

Step 3: The Stir-Fry

In a wok or large frying pan, warm a glug of canola oil until it shimmers. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and fry until golden brown on all sides. Transfer the tofu to a plate, then add 1 large carrot (peeled and cut into matchsticks), 1 small red bell pepper (stemmed, seeded, and cut into small slices), and 1 cup of sugar snap peas (sliced) to the pan. Sauté until the vegetables are just tender. Add the cooked noodles, reserved sauce, and tofu to the pan, along with a dash of Sriracha to taste. Stir-fry until everything is well combined and warmed through.

The Finishing Touches

Divide the noodle salad between bowls, sprinkle with 1/4 cup of chopped toasted almonds, and serve. This recipe yields 2-4 servings, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.