Sesame Noodles w/Crispy Baked Tofu

This is a really quick dinner with the exception of baking the tofu. If you cook the tofu in advance it's super fast to throw together. If you are making everything at the same time, be sure to get your tofu in the oven before you start the noodles since it takes 30 minutes to cook the tofu. I cooked my tofu in the convection oven in a pan that has a solid bottom and a grate that sits on top which allows the air to flow all around the tofu, much like an air fryer. I baked some mini vegan egg rolls to go with this dinner.

For the tofu:

• 1 package tofu, firm or extra firm
• 2 tablespoons Coconut Aminos
• 2 tablespoons Garlic and Herb Seasoning (if you don't have this use garlic powder, onion powder and some other dried herbs you like)

For the noodles:

• 1 8-ounce package Chinese Noodles

For the sauce:

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more if you like it hot)
• Garnish: sliced scallions, black pepper, more Sriracha and sesame seeds

Drain your block of tofu and place on a clean kitchen towel. Preheat convection oven to 400F.

Press for 20-30 minutes. I like to use the heavy lid from my Dutch oven for pressing.

The pressed tofu should be pretty dry which will allow it to soak up the marinade.

Mix the soy sauce and garlic seasoning in a bowl. Add cubed tofu and gently stir to coat all the pieces.

Add the coated, cubed tofu to a baking rack (I use parchment paper to keep the tofu from sticking).

Bake tofu for 15 minutes. Flip each piece and bake another 15 minutes.

Add all of the sauce ingredients to a small mason jar and shake well. Set aside.

Start water to boil for cooking the noodles. When the tofu is almost done; cook the noodles according to the package directions. When done strain and rinse in cold water. Set aside.

To prepare the noodles, add them to a nonstick skillet until they begin to warm. Don't let them stick. 

Add all of the sauce ingredients from the mason jar and give it a good toss to coat all of the noodles.

Plate the noodles with chosen garnishes and add tofu to the side. You could throw the tofu into the noodles in the skillet but I didn't want to take a chance on breaking them up.

Enjoy!!