Dinner with Rukmini
Browse all of the recipes in Rukmini Iyer’s cookbooks by ingredient.
Lemongrass, Turmeric and Tofu Noodles
Get two irresistible meals in one with this recipe from Rukmini Iyer. First, a plate of tofu noodles and second a bánh mì-style baguette packed with the leftovers.
Introduction
This is a dish for anyone who likes the idea of leftovers but wants to eat something a little different the next day. The rich turmeric and lemongrass tofu works beautifully with noodles for a weeknight dinner and is even nicer stuffed into a baguette with peanut butter and coriander for a next-day bánh mì-style sandwich.
Ingredients
| 1cm | fresh turmeric, finely grated, or ½ teaspoon ground |
| 2 inches | ginger, finely grated |
| 2 cloves | garlic, finely grated |
| 1 stick | lemongrass, grated or finely chopped (remove tough outer leaves first) |
| 3 tbsp | sesame oil, plus extra to serve |
| 3 tbsp | soy sauce, plus extra as needed |
| 1 | red chilli, finely chopped |
| 450g | firm tofu, cut into 1cm cubes |
| 150ml | water |
| 200g | tenderstem broccoli, finely chopped |
| 2 | carrots, grated |
| sea salt flakes, to taste | |
| To serve on day one: | |
|---|---|
| 2 portions | straight-to-wok thick udon noodles |
| fresh coriander and mint | |
| To serve on day two: | |
| 2 | nice baguettes |
| peanut butter | |
| fresh coriander and mint |
Method
Prep: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes marinating Cook: 10 minutes.
Mix together the turmeric, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, 2 tablespoons of the sesame oil, the soy sauce and chilli in a large bowl, then add the tofu cubes. Gently stir, then cover and leave to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature (or longer in the fridge if you’re prepping ahead).
When you’re ready to eat, heat the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil in a large frying pan over a medium to high heat. Fry the tofu for 2–3 minutes on each side, then add 100ml of the water and 1 teaspoon salt. Let the tofu braise for a further 3–4 minutes to reduce the liquid, then stir through the broccoli, carrots and remaining 50ml water and cook, covered, for 2 minutes.
Remove half the tofu and set aside for your bánh mì tomorrow, then add the straight-to-wok noodles to the remaining tofu. Stir gently for 2 minutes until the noodles are heated through, then taste and adjust the salt and soy sauce. Serve hot, scattered with the fresh coriander and mint and with a final drizzle of sesame oil, if you wish.
The next day, pack the peanut butter baguettes with the tofu in a separate container. Fill the baguettes with the tofu, coriander and mint just before you eat.
