Best Rice Noodle Salad With Crispy Tofu And Lime Peanut Dressing Recipes

RICE NOODLE SALAD WITH SALTED PEANUTS AND HERBS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, toss radishes and carrot with vinegar, sugar and salt, and let sit while preparing remaining ingredients.
• Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Immediately transfer to a colander and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside to drain.
• In a small bowl, prepare the dressing: Stir together lime juice, oil, fish sauce, ginger, garlic and chiles.
• Pile noodles in a large bowl, then top with radish and carrot mixture and any juices from the bowl, cucumber, lettuce, scallions, herbs, peanuts and eggs, if using. Drizzle the dressing over the top.

RICE SALAD WITH PEANUTS AND TOFU

Steps:

• Combine the two kinds of two rices in a medium saucepan. Add water and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until rice is tender and all of the liquid in the pan has been absorbed. Remove from heat. Remove lid, place a clean dishtowel across the pan (not touching the rice) and return lid to the pan. Let sit undisturbed for 15 minutes or longer. Remove lid and towel, transfer to a bowl and allow to cool. Add cilantro, peanuts, peas, scallions or chives and chiles and toss together.
• While rice is cooking, preheat oven to 375 degreesºF. Line a sheet pan with parchment. Pat tofu dry with paper towels and cut laterally into 4 equal squares, then cut squares into strips.
• In a large, wide bowl whisk together soy sauce, ginger, garlic, shallot, cumin, cayenne, honey or agave nectar, 2 teaspoons of the lime juice, 3 tablespoons of the grape seed or canola oil, and cilantro to taste. Pat each square of tofu dry with paper towels, then dip into marinade, making sure to coat both sides. Transfer to baking sheet. Do not drain the marinade.
• Bake tofu for 10 to 15 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to color and marinade sets on the surface. Remove from heat.
• Add remaining lime juice to the marinade and whisk in remaining oil. Add to rice mixture and toss.
• Line a platter or wide bowl, or individual plates with lettuce leaves and top with rice mixture. Lay tofu strips on top, garnish with avocado slices, black sesame seeds if desired, and cilantro, and serve.

RICE NOODLE SALAD

Steps:

• Mix together the dressing ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings. Place the rice or cellophane noodles in a bowl and cover with warm water. Soak for 20 minutes, and drain.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the noodles. Cook about 1 minute, or until tender. Drain well and coarsely chop using scissors. Toss with all but 2 tablespoons of the dressing.
• If using Napa cabbage, cut the halved cabbage in half again, cut out the core, then slice crosswise into thin strips. If using romaine, cut in half, then slice crosswise into thin strips. Toss with the noodles, along with the scallions, cilantro, and carrot.
• Line a platter or bowl with lettuce leaves and pile on the salad. Spoon on the remaining dressing, and serve.

RICE NOODLE SALAD WITH CRISPY TOFU AND LIME-PEANUT DRESSING

Steps:

• Place the rice threads in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Let sit for 20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
• Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes and add 1 tablespoon peanut oil, canola oil or rice bran oil. When the oil is hot, add the tofu and saute on both sides until golden brown. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Cut in matchsticks.
• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add salt to taste if desired. Drain the noodles and add to the boiling water. Boil 1 minute, then drain, rinse briefly with cold water, and using a scissors, cut into manageable lengths. Transfer to a salad bowl and add the tofu, red pepper, chives, cilantro, lettuce and half the peanuts.
• Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup. Pour over the noodles and toss together. Sprinkle the remaining peanuts over the top and serve.