Spicy Tofu Noodle Stir Fry

Steps

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1. 1
   Prepare aromatics and vegetables: mince 4 garlic cloves. Trim scallions, remove roots, thinly slice lengthwise, and set aside the dark green tops. Peel ginger, slice into wide planks, stack them, then cut into thin matchsticks. Trim green beans and cut in half.
   ▶ ≈0:28
2. 2
   Make the stir-fry sauce: combine 3.5 tablespoons soy sauce, brown sugar, Shaoxing wine, 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce, and 3 tablespoons vegetable broth. Mix well. This can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week.
   ▶ ≈1:47
3. 3
   Prepare the tofu: use extra-firm tofu, preferably frozen and thawed beforehand. Squeeze out excess moisture, cut in half lengthwise, then slice into approximately 1/3-inch-thick rectangular or square pieces. Gently pat dry.
   ▶ ≈3:25
4. 4
   Make the tofu seasoning blend: combine salt, white pepper, 0.5 teaspoon onion powder, 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder, Chinese five-spice powder (optional), and 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch. Dust evenly over the tofu using a fine-mesh sieve.
   ▶ ≈5:11
5. 5
   Fry the tofu: heat a wok or large nonstick skillet until wisps of smoke appear, add oil and distribute up the sides. Lower heat to medium, add tofu in batches without overlapping. Shake the pan every minute and check after 3-4 minutes. Fry for 5-6 minutes, flip, then fry the other side for about 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess oil.
   ▶ ≈6:11
6. 6
   Cook the noodles: add 6 ounces dried udon noodles to boiling water and cook according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little toasted sesame oil to prevent clumping.
   ▶ ≈7:43
7. 7
   Stir-fry the vegetables: heat the wok to high heat again. Add green beans with a pinch of salt and cook undisturbed for 1 minute to char. Toss and cook undisturbed for 90 seconds more. Add the prepared garlic, ginger, and white parts of scallions, stirring until fragrant.
   ▶ ≈8:09
8. 8
   Add the sauce: pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce (it will sizzle) and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Turn off the heat.
   ▶ ≈9:06
9. 9
   Assemble the dish: add the cooked noodles and toss with tongs to coat thoroughly in the sauce. Top with reserved scallion greens, fresh cilantro (optional), and roasted sesame seeds. Fold in the fried tofu and serve.
   ▶ ≈9:49