Easy Vegan Peanut Butter Miso Udon: Chewy Noodles, Crispy Tofu

il y a 2 semaines

Inspired by: @iszy

Craving a truly satisfying, restaurant-quality vegan noodle dish that's quick to whip up at home? Look no further! This delightful recipe for Peanut Butter Miso Udon with crispy air-fried tofu and fresh kale offers a perfect blend of savory, creamy, and umami flavors, all centered around gloriously thick and chewy udon noodles. It's the ideal weeknight meal for anyone seeking a flavorful plant-based experience without a lot of fuss.

This particular recipe, inspired by a dish found in Max La Manna's excellent cookbook "You Can Cook This," prioritizes amazing texture. The key is finding thick, bouncy udon noodles that truly stand up to the rich peanut butter miso sauce. While some premium ingredients, like the "thickest store-bought udon" discovered by abillion user iszy at Kowalski's, might come with a higher price tag (even $7.99 for dried noodles!), the indulgent chewiness they provide is absolutely worth it. The rich sauce, made with a base of sesame oil, peanut butter, miso, and lime juice, is designed to be wonderfully "slurpable" thanks to the thoughtful inclusion of oil.

This dish answers the common questions like: "How do I make a quick and delicious vegan udon?" or "What are some easy, flavorful plant-based dinner ideas with tofu and noodles?". Get ready to impress your taste buds!

Crispy Tofu Peanut Butter Miso Udon Noodle Bowl A vibrant bowl of Peanut Butter Miso Udon, featuring thick noodles, golden crispy tofu, fresh green kale, and a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you'll need to create this fantastic noodle bowl:

Udon noodles (preferably thick, dried or fresh)
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons miso paste
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup water (or as needed for desired consistency)
8 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
2 cups fresh kale, chopped
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, chili flakes, sliced spring onions

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Miso Udon laid out on a wooden board: dried udon noodles, a jar of peanut butter, miso paste, sesame oil, limes, a block of tofu, fresh kale, and a cucumber. All the fresh and pantry ingredients for your delicious vegan udon bowl, ready for preparation.

Equipment

Large pot for boiling noodles
Air fryer or oven for tofu (optional, but recommended for crispiness)
Whisk or fork for sauce
Large mixing bowl

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bring your peanut butter miso udon bowl to life:

Prepare the Tofu: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If using an oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C). Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into bite-sized cubes. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking occasionally, until golden and crispy. If baking, spread on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Cook the Udon: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the udon noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente and perfectly chewy. Drain well and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, miso paste, sesame oil, and lime juice. Gradually add the water, whisking until the sauce is smooth and reaches a "slurpable" consistency.
Combine: Add the cooked udon noodles, crispy tofu, and chopped kale to the bowl with the peanut butter miso sauce. Toss everything gently until the noodles and ingredients are evenly coated.
Serve: Divide the udon into serving bowls. Top with fresh cucumber slices or dice, and any optional garnishes like sesame seeds, chili flakes, or spring onions. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture!

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free: Ensure your udon noodles are certified gluten-free (some brands offer this!) and use tamari instead of soy sauce if adding any.
Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini for a similar creamy texture. Adjust sweetness/saltiness as needed.
Add Some Heat: Stir in a dash of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli florets.
Protein Power: Enhance the protein by adding shelled edamame or pan-fried tempeh alongside the tofu.

Tips & Hacks

Noodle Hunt: As iszy noted, finding truly thick udon can be a game-changer. Check Asian grocery stores or online specialty food retailers for premium options. The extra chewiness makes a big difference!
Crispy Tofu Secret: For extra crispy tofu, make sure to press out as much water as possible before cubing and air frying or baking. A tofu press or even paper towels and a heavy book work wonders.
Make-Ahead Sauce: The peanut butter miso sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly even faster!
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, gradually add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired "slurpable" consistency.

Ready to dive into this delightful dish? This Vegan Peanut Butter Miso Udon is a flavorful, easy-to-make option for any day of the week. Don't forget to share your delicious creations on abillion!