Crispy Tofu Noodle Stir Fry

Over the weekend I debated for over 30 minutes on whether or not to order take out.  I wanted a crispy tofu noodle stir fry and after 30 minutes, I told myself “Bitch, you already have everything to make that at home!”  So I made crispy tofu noodle stir fry with miso soup and it was delicious, and ready in about 15 minutes.

What kind of noodles are used in this dish?

Dandan noodles are thin noodles that you can find in most grocery stores or in an Asian market.  My friend Morgan and I spent about two hours at 88 Marketplace, Chicagoland’s Asian grocery store several months ago.  I picked up my noodles there, but if for some reason you can’t find that style noodle, lo mein noodles work just fine.  But seriously, if you love grocery stores as much as I do and you visit Chicago, 88 Marketplace is amazing.

What is miso paste?

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning. It is a thick paste produced by fermenting soybeans with salt and kōji and sometimes rice, barley, seaweed, or other ingredients.  At Mariano’s it’s on the shelf, and once opened needs to be refrigerated.  It can last up to six months in the fridge.  At stores like Whole Foods and The Fresh Market, it’s found in the refrigerator section.

Why tofu?

Here are some other reasons to use tofu:

• Complete Protein: Tofu is made from soybeans, which are one of the few plant-based protein sources that contain all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. This makes tofu a complete protein, similar to meat, eggs, and dairy.
• High Protein Content: Tofu is relatively high in protein compared to other plant-based foods. It typically contains around 10-19 grams of protein per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), depending on the variety and firmness.
• Versatility: Tofu is highly versatile and can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes. It can be grilled, stir-fried, baked, scrambled, or blended into smoothies, making it easy to include in different meals and cuisines.
• Nutrient-Rich: In addition to protein, tofu contains other important nutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.
• Low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol-Free: Unlike some animal protein sources like meat and dairy, tofu is low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol.
• Plant-Based and Sustainable: Tofu is a plant-based protein, making it suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those looking to reduce their meat consumption for health or environmental reasons. Additionally, soybeans have a lower environmental impact compared to animal agriculture, making tofu a more sustainable protein choice.

I used one of my favorite Ying’s sauces (General Tso) for the sauce. I’ve mentioned this line of sauces before and every single one I’ve tried has been great! Low calorie, lower WW point, and super flavorful. Highly recommend!