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Cumin Tofu Noodles

Cumin Tofu Noodles for a Flavor-Packed Vegan Dinner

This Cumin Tofu Noodles recipe combines satisfying texture and bold flavors for a delicious vegan dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Dough Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Noodles
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 1 cup Water Warm water makes mixing easier.
  • 1 teaspoon Fine Salt Can be omitted for dietary restrictions.
For the Tofu
  • 14 ounces Firm Tofu Replace with tempeh if desired.
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch Chickpea flour can be an alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Any high-heat oil like canola works.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin Seeds Ground cumin can be used if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan Peppercorns Omit if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Seeds Ground coriander can be substituted.
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Oil Homemade is best if possible.
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese Black Vinegar Balsamic vinegar can work in its place.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce Omit for a lighter version.
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing Wine (or Mirin) Alternatives include white wine vinegar.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Shallots can be used for milder taste.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is best.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Use half as much ground ginger instead.
  • 2 stalks Scallions Chives can be a substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Omit or substitute with parsley if desired.
  • 1 teaspoon MSG (optional) Skip if preferred.

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • non-stick skillet
  • Spice Grinder
  • Large pot
  • Floured Surface

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and fine salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  2. While the dough rests, cut the firm tofu into even cubes. Toss the tofu in cornstarch to ensure each piece is well-coated. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the tofu for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
  3. In a dry skillet, toast the cumin seeds, Sichuan peppercorns, and coriander seeds over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and grind into a fine powder.
  4. Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface into a thin sheet. Hand-pull the dough into thin noodle strands. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the noodles for 2-3 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse.
  5. In the skillet used for frying tofu, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil on medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent. Stir in the spice mix and cook for an additional minute.
  6. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, drizzle in chili oil, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Toss gently for 2-3 minutes. Fold in crispy tofu, garnish with scallions and cilantro before serving warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the dough to rest for a full 30 minutes for perfect noodles. Fry tofu in batches for optimal crispiness.

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