Garlic Jalapeno Noodles with Crispy Tofu has a punch of protein and a kick of spice! This vegan dish is customizable with your favorite veg.

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Sometimes when I see a recipe online I think "Ooh, that looks good, but I'd rather replace x ingredient with y ingredient." If you do this too, you're on your way to becoming a natural chef. Thinking about ways you can change a recipe and then experimenting is exactly how chefs iterate on their dishes.

Plus, if you're not a fan of a particular ingredient, knowing how to sub in your favorite foods is a handy skill to have. Luckily, this dish is a great one for you experiment with. You can simply keep the basic recipe the same, but switch in vegetables of your choice.

These noodles use a mix of jalapenos, garlic, and shallots for the base flavor. Then you add red cabbage and green bell pepper as extra veg. Not a fan of red cabbage? Try zucchini. Or broccoli. Or another veggie you love. Measure out a cup (chopped) of whatever vegetable you'd like and add it to the dish. Done!

These noodles get spice from the jalapeno, garlic, shallot mixture. You'll make a quick sauce with some sweetness and acid. Then add veg for nutrients and fiber, and tofu for texture and protein! So good.

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Recipe Features

• Dietary needs — this Garlic Jalapeno Noodle dish is dairy-free, plant-based, oil-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free. It’s also very high in protein and fiber.
• Hearty, healthy dinner – with nutritious veggies and protein from the tofu this dish is filled with good stuff. Choose a bean-based pasta for added protein and fiber.
• Spicy, sweet, umami, acidic – this dish has allll the flavors.

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Ingredients

• Tofu: For the crispiest tofu you'll want to press the block of tofu to drain the moisture. If you don't have a tofu press, no worries! Just place something heavy on the tofu and allow it to drain for a while.
• Rice Noodles: Or any pasta of your choice. I like using bean-based pastas for extra protein!
• Garlic Jalapeno Mixture: Jalapeno peppers, garlic, and shallots. This mixture creates a spicy chutney of sorts that gives this dish its flavor.
• Sweet Umami Sauce: vegetable broth, date syrup, lemon or lime juice, & spirulina. This sauce creates a nice sweet, acidic, umami flavor that complements the spice of the jalapeno mixture.
• Veggies: I used red cabbage and green bell pepper. If you like other veggies feel free to sub them in.
• Salt & Pepper: to taste.

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How to make Garlic Jalapeno Noodles with Crispy Tofu

Step 1. Wrap the tofu in a paper towel and place under a heavy object (or use a tofu press) for 20 minutes.

Step 2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water to keep the pasta soft.

Step 3. In a small bowl, mix the jalapenos, garlic, and shallots. Set aside.

Step 4. In another bowl, combine the vegetable broth, date syrup, lemon juice, and spirulina. Set aside.

Step 5. Slice the tofu into 1" cubes. Using 3 tablespoons of the vegetable broth mixture, cook the tofu in a non-stick pan on medium-high heat until browned and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside. Place in the oven at 200° F to keep warm, if desired.

Step 6. Add the cabbage and pepper to the pan. Use another 3 tablespoons of vegetable broth to cook the vegetables, until just tender. Set aside.

Step 7. Add the jalapeno mixture to the pan. Cook 1-2 minutes.

Step 8. Add the cooked pasta, cabbage and pepper, jalapeno mixture, and remaining vegetable broth mixture to the pan. Stir and cook 3-5 minutes.

Step 9. Plate and top with the tofu. Enjoy!

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Recipe Prayer

Thank you God for this noodle dish, we are grateful for the wide range of flavors that we get to experience. Amen.

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Related Recipes

Want other tasty pasta mains? Try these next:

• Vegan Pistachio Broccoli Pasta
• Plant-Based Lo Mein
• Cauliflower White Sauce

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Tried this recipe?

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