Manchurian Noodles (Indo-Chinese Ginger Garlic Chili Noodles)
Manchurian Noodles feature pan-fried tofu combined with sautéed aromatic ginger, garlic, and chili, tossed with bell peppers and ramen noodles in a tangy, spicy Indo-Chinese sauce. The sauce balances soy sauce, vinegar, chili paste, and a hint of sweetness, while cornstarch slurry thickens it to coat the noodles and tofu well. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish offers a flavorful blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
For the tofu:
- 7 ounces firm tofu pressed for 15 minutes then cubed or sliced into rectangles, or extra firm tofu
- 4 oz ramen noodles ( 2 ramen noodle packets)
For the Manchurian sauce:
- 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 6 cloves garlic chopped
- 1/2 inch ginger chopped
- 1 green chili such as Serrano or Indian, chopped
- 2-3 tablespoons white onion coarsely chopped; or white parts of a green onion
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sambal oelek or Indian red chili sauce, or Asian chili garlic sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 3/4 cup water
- sesame seeds for garnish
- green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Press and cube the tofu if you haven’t already and set aside. Cook your noodles according to the package instructions. Then rinse in cold water and set aside.
- Heat a teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and once hot add the tofu and cook until the tofu is golden on most of the edges, 7-9 minutes.
- In the meantime prepare the sauce aromatics; combine the garlic, ginger, green chili, and onion in a small food processor. Process until finely chopped, remove and set aside. Add the bell peppers and process until coarsely chopped. Set those aside as well.
- Remove the tofu from the skillet and add another teaspoon of oil. Reduce the heat to medium and add the sauce aromatics(ginger, garlic, chili, onion) that were chopped and a good pinch of salt. cook for one minute then add the chopped bell pepper and another pinch of salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes
- Add the sambal oelek, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, black and white pepper, and maple syrup. Mix really well until it starts to come to a boil.
- Add the cornstarch and water mixture and mix in. Let the mixture come to a boil for a minute or so. Then add in the cooked noodles and crisped-up tofu and toss really well.
- Switch off the heat and toss again to coat all of the noodles and tofu with the sauce. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds and serve.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- This recipe contains no nuts, suitable for nut-free diets.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 217
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 217kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Sodium | 670mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 176mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 619IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 36mg | 40% |
| Calcium | 91mg | 9% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.