Hunan-Style Shredded Tofu Noodle Salad with Carrots, Celery, and Garlic Chives
2 min readShredded tofu was one of my best ―finds‖ in China. These chewy bean curd noodles—also referred to as shredded tofu noodles, tofu strands, or bean curd strands—are an excellent gluten-free alternative to wheat noodles and other pasta. Upon my return, I was delighted to discover them right in my own backyard, at the local Asian market, in the refrigerated section, next to the standard blocks of tofu— yes!
MAKES 3 MAIN DISH OR 4 TO 6 SIDE DISH SERVINGS
1 (8-ounce) packet shredded tofu
2 to 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 to 3 tablespoons plain rice vinegar
1 to 11⁄2 tablespoons toasted (dark) sesame oil
2 to 3 teaspoons Chinese hot oil
1 teaspoon sugar, or to taste
1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
1⁄4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 to 4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1⁄2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
1 cup shredded carrots
1 small bunch Chinese garlic chives (about 1 ounce), buds removed, cut into 2- inch lengths, or about 4 scallion greens, sliced lengthwise in half, cut into 2- inch lengths
1 to 2 stalks celery, cut into thin 2-inch lengths
In a medium stockpot, cook the shredded tofu in boiling salted water until separated and al dente, 5 to 9 minutes, depending on freshness, stirring occasionally. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water; drain well.
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, hot oil, sugar, red pepper flakes, and salt; stir in the cilantro and ginger and let stand a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Add the tofu noodles, carrots, garlic chives, and celery and toss well to combine. Let stand about 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to blend, tossing a few times. Toss again and serve at room temperature. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate a minimum of 1 hour or up to 2 days and serve chilled, or return to room temperature.
{PER SERVING} Calories 160 • Protein 8g • Total Fat 11g • Sat Fat 2g • Cholesterol 0mg • Carbohydrate 9g • Dietary Fiber 3g • Sodium 608mg
