Average Joe Tofu

Adapted from Fujian-style Ban Mian

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INGREDIENTS

• 1 package instant ramen noodles (4 ounces)
• ½ carton firm tofu*, cubed
• 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 teaspoon soy sauce (adjust to your own taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust to your own taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon sesame oil (Optional)
• Chopped peanuts and green onion for garnishing (Optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cube the tofu, rinse, drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Ramen noodles per package instructions (about 2 to 3 minutes) but do not add the included flavor packet. When the noodles are almost done, add the drained tofu to the noodles to warm up the tofu. When everything is warm (a couple minutes), drain the noodle-tofu mixture, saving and setting aside about a cup of the noodle cooking water. Leave the noodles and tofu in the pot.

3. Place the peanut butter, soy sauce, sugar and salt into a small mixing bowl and stir to combine the ingredients. Add a little of the noodle cooking water and whisk the ingredients to form a smooth sauce. Taste the sauce to make sure it meets your preferences, if not, make necessary adjustments.

4. Add the sauce to the noodle-tofu mixture along with ⅓ to ½ cup of noodle water, stirring gently to incorporate the sauce into the noodles and tofu.

5. Serve the noodles in a bowl. If desired, top noodles with chopped green onions and chopped peanuts. Condiments such as sesame oil, rice vinegar or chili sauce are options as well.

* An open carton of tofu can be stored in the refrigerator for a week or so as long as the tofu is submerged in water.