Today I have for you my very own recipe of Tofu Garlic Noodles – what I like to call one of my ‘no-recipe recipes’. These are a class of recipes that I often come up with at the spur of the moment – they have no reason, no inspiration. Just a bunch of ingredients thrown together in the hopes of creating something edible.
While a few of such of my creations have turned out perfect to go into the trash, many of them have become a family favourite over the years and continue to make their appearances on my dinner table. Most of them are throw-it-all-into-one-pot-and-hope-for-the-best kinda meals, while others are quick assembly ones. But they each have one thing in common: a few starving mouths waiting to be fed.
I remember this one time when I tried cooking spaghetti with some leftover meatball curry – spaghetti bolognese a la Indian, which did not work out much to our liking. Neither is combining paneer with green curry paste in hopes of creating a Thai-Indo fusion fried rice such a great idea. But I digress, a ravenous tummy = brains cells on holiday! But sometimes, the lack of time, energy and a frighteningly increasing hunger can create the most delicious meal.
Take today for example – I woke up with a strong will to bake. And bake I did! A bunch of sorry looking carrots found its way into my baking pan and turned into the most deliciously moist treat, a perfect pairing for my evening cup of coffee (but that’s a recipe for another day!). Then I slowly crossed off things on my to-do list one after the other. I was on a roll and nothing was going to stop me. Except, of course, my screaming stomach who knows nothing about keeping its cool when hungry.
A quick glance at the clock confirmed that I was past my regular lunchtime, and I had to act fast! So I did what I could – picked a bunched of that, chopped a few of those, boiled a pot of this, and stir-fried them all together. And might I add, as hideously simple as it sounds – it was a great meal. Or maybe that’s just my tummy talking!
Tofu Garlic Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp light cooking oil
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped garlic
- 1 cup diced extra-firm tofu
- 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
- 1 tbsp Sambal Olek (chilli paste)
- 3 cups boiled egg noodles
- 2 tbsp light soya sauce
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep non-stick wok and saute onions and garlic, till lightly browned and fragrant. Add in tofu and fry for a few minutes till crisp around the edges. By this time, the onions and garlic should be caramelized and very fragrant.
- Add in the shredded cabbage and Sambal Olek, and stir-fry for a few minutes to combine well. Stir in noodles, sprinkle soya sauce, and stir fry to coat noodles well with the sauce and veggies. Season with salt and serve warm.
If you like this recipe, then you will surely like my Curry Noodle Bowl.
Tried this recipe? Leave a Comment and let me know, also Rate it by clicking the number of stars on the recipe card. Want to share your version with me? Tag me on Instagram @hookedonheat
Just wanted to say thank you! I made this recently and my kids loved it – they’ve been begging me to make it again soon!
Looks delicious – I love noodles any way!
I just found your blog and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! These noodles sound so good and easy, and your pictures are gorgeous, can’t wait to give them a try!
This is the type of meal I really enjoy. I am doing no grains right now, so I will try this recipe with some spiralized veggie noodles.
That looks really delicious!
Yum! Plenty of garlic and tofu make a delicious noodle dish! This is so quick and easy it would be great as dinner on a busy week night!
Can Sambal Olek be substituted with the Sriracha sauce?
Yes, of course!
thought you could help me out with this — where would i be able to find sambal olek? do asian stores in the US stock this?
You should be able to find it in most regular grocery stores as well, Elaine. It’s pretty easily available nowadays.
Is sambal olek easily find in the market?
very simple and easy recipe and your blog looks great
hi
I am going to try this recipe for sure!!! Thank you for this wonderful dish…
I love your blog, which I found recently. All your recipes are so easy, especially for beginners like me 🙂
These noodles look so good! Garlicky noodles are the best.
I made these last night. Went overboard on the garlic and sambal. To my benefit. Added a dash of curry powder and a dash of black pepper. So delicious. Eating the leftovers right now as this recipe filled my whole wok.
Those noodles are worth drooling. You take such nice pictures… I love coming back to you blog always…
Very, very good blog!
Sounds wonderful! I am alway looking for something new to try with our tofu so thanks!
Wow, I am drooling on your noodles! I like your term “No-recipe recipes” 🙂 Yes, many times a quick toss of simple things result in an utterly delicious treat..
Wow…..looks amazing. Truly yummy!
Hi Dear, today only I got 2 recipes from ur blog which I want to try. This is the third one :).
Looks great meena! these are my fav kind of noodles too, except that i add some scallions to it, and my hubby loves some bean sprouts on the top!:)
Ooh… beansprouts! Now that would be a delicous addition!
Finally a vegetarian dish that looks good! This recipe looks amazing. I’m going to try it this weekend!
absolutely lovely! right up my alley -thanks!
The final dish and picture looks very professional.
OOH! Can’t wait to try this one. May skip the cabbage though but sounds yummy!
This is so simple to prepare and looks so good. I’m going to try this very soon. I think your web layout is also new, it looks very elegant.
Sounds delicious, Meena. The thought of sambal olek makes my mouth water, as does the thought of just about anything spicy. Can’t get enough of it! Your meal looks wonderful!