Thai Noodle Salad with Tofu and Fresh Herbs

This vibrant and flavorful Thai noodle salad is a quick and easy vegetarian main dish that bursts with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Tossed with soft tofu, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant herbs, it’s a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of year. The dish combines the creamy texture of silken tofu with the zest of lime, the warmth of sesame oil, and the depth of Thai seasoning paste, creating a balanced and delicious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Thai Noodle Salad recipe

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 200g thin flat rice noodles
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 80g tube Gourmet Garden Thai Stir-In Seasoning paste
• 400g Coles Nature’s Kitchen Silken Tofu
• 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves
• 2 carrots, peeled and shredded
• 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 2 limes
• 1 cup bean sprouts, trimmed
• 1 corn cob, kernels removed
• Maple-flavored cashews, chopped (optional, for topping)
• Fresh sliced red chili, for garnish

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Noodles
Start by placing the thin flat rice noodles in a large heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over the noodles, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Let them sit for about 10 minutes or until they soften. Once the noodles are tender, drain them and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Tofu with Thai Seasoning
While the noodles are soaking, heat the sesame oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the Gourmet Garden Thai Stir-In Seasoning paste to the pan. Sauté the paste for about 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to release and infuse the oil. Then, add the silken tofu to the pan. Use a spatula to gently break up the tofu into small, bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the tofu is lightly browned and heated through. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves and half of the coriander. The warmth of the tofu will help release the aromas of the herbs, making the dish even more fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion, and the remaining fresh coriander leaves. Drizzle the mixture with soy sauce for added depth of flavor, and squeeze the juice of one lime over the top. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the dressing and the vegetables are well distributed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Transfer the noodle and vegetable mixture to a large serving platter. Spread it out evenly, creating a base for the tofu and other toppings. Top the noodles with the scrambled tofu mixture, then add the bean sprouts and sweet corn kernels. These ingredients will add both texture and color to your salad. If you’re using them, sprinkle the maple-flavored cashews over the top for a bit of sweetness and crunch. For an extra kick, garnish with fresh slices of red chili, which will add a touch of heat to balance the dish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Cut the remaining lime into wedges and serve them alongside the salad. The lime wedges allow everyone to add a burst of fresh citrus to their serving, enhancing the overall flavor. If you like your dish with more heat, feel free to add extra chili slices. Serve the salad as a light main dish, or pair it with your favorite side.

Tips for Customizing:

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in additional seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes for more color and crunch.
• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, increase the amount of fresh chili, or add a teaspoon of chili paste to the tofu while cooking.
• Switch Up the Protein: If you’re not a fan of tofu, you can replace it with tempeh, edamame, or even a plant-based protein of your choice.
• Noodles Variation: You can swap the rice noodles for soba noodles, udon, or any other noodle variety you prefer. Just ensure they are cooked according to the package instructions.

This Thai-inspired noodle salad is a beautiful combination of textures and flavors, with the richness of tofu, the crispness of fresh vegetables, and the bright notes of lime and herbs. It’s an ideal dish for those looking for a quick, nourishing meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or serve it with your favorite sides for a complete Thai feast.

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