To each their own
Contrary to what some people think about me, I am not against vegetarianism or veganism. Less animal consumption is not only healthier but better for the environment as well. Husband and child aside, I’m pretty laissez-faire when it comes to other people’s eating habits along with how their beliefs and views impact their dietary preferences. I think it’s important to be tolerant and respectful in this manner and I don’t judge morality based on what a person eats for dinner. If you are vegan, good for you! If you eat meat, good for you! I don’t care. It’s your body, your life, and your decision.
Season your vegan food
However, what I do judge harshly is food. It seems to me that there is a misconception that vegetarian and vegan food is boring and bland. For me, a person who partakes in eating anything and everything, the absence of proper seasoning is more of a culinary sin than the absence of butter and bacon. Some of my favorite dishes are actually animal-product-free for the sheer fact that they are properly seasoned and spiced.
Take for example, Indian food, which has a large variety of vegetarian dishes that are rich in depth of flavor and spice. People who cook great Indian food know how to work with ingredients to bring out the best possible combination of flavors and they do not shy away from spice. It’s not boring at all but vibrant instead.
Vegan Rice Noodles
So when I’m at home and experimenting with a meatless and/or dairy-free recipe, I always remember what all of my favorite vegetarian/vegan foods have in common and that is that they utilize ingredients big on flavor. For me, that means spice, soy sauce, chili, garlic, ginger and vinegar.
Luckily, these vegan rice noodles soak up all of those flavors. This noodle dish makes a great light lunch or even a side dish to a vegetarian or non-vegetarian entree. Who needs butter and bacon?
Vegan Spicy Rice Noodles with Tofu and Mushrooms
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3-4 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Rice noodles tossed in a sweet soy and chili sauce with chunks of fried tofu, mushrooms and peanuts. It’s deliciously vegan! #vegan #vegetarianrecipes #noodles #asianrecipes #tofustirfry #mushrooms
Ingredients
1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
3 cloves garlic
200 g/7 oz firm tofu
2–3 king oyster mushrooms
1 tbsp light soy sauce
3 Scallions (white parts divided from green shoots)
150 g/5.5 oz Rice noodles
1–2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp sweet soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp Chinese chile oil
crushed peanuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Using a damp cloth, clean the mushrooms and cut lengthwise into thin strips and then in half making 1in/2cm chunks.
- Cut tofu into a similar size to match.
- Toss together chopped tofu and mushrooms in a bowl with 1 tbsp salty soy sauce, chopped ginger and chopped garlic.
- Set aside and let marinate for 15-30 min.
- Meanwhile, boil rice noodles for 2-3 min, then immediately drain to prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Combine sweet soy sauce, rice vinegar and chile oil together in a small bowl and set aside.
- Add 1-2 tbsp of oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add white scallions and stir fry for a minute.
- Then add tofu and mushroom mix and stir-fry until tofu is crispy and mushrooms are soft (about 3-5 min).
- Add green parts of the scallions and fry for a minute before adding the drained rice noodles and sauce mix.
- Toss to combine and top with crushed peanuts for an added crunch.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Vegetarian/Vegan
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
More Vegan recipes to whip up:
Vegan Breakfast Burritos That Don’t Suck
Vegan Zha Jiang Mian (Chinese noodles w/soybean sauce)
Tofu and Mushroom Stir-Fry in Soybean Sauce
looks amazing!