Meal 2 Summary (Sesame Tofu, Singapore Noodles)

Well, maybe we just love every kind of food, because I have a feeling we're going to rate these meals at the top of their class.

Sesame Tofu (Adam 4.5/5; Alex 4.5/5)

This was a lovely surprise. As authentic as it gets, this recipe held true to its promises! The sauce is a carbon copy of sesame sauce you would find in Chinese restaurants. While the flavour was untouchable, the tofu needs to be fried in a better manner- suggestions welcome!

Singapore Noodles (Adam 3.5/5; Alex 4/5)

What this recipe lacked in quality it made up in quantity... holy man. So many noodles. I am going to have trouble getting up after this serious amount of food. Fullness to a whole 'nother level. The flavour was unique, very gingery. Alex said it tasted like stuff he had in restaurants, but I've never had singapore noodles before, so I can't say. Chopping the veggies took awhile, but the cooking time itself was very short. Chickpeas were an unusual addition, but added some needed protein. All in all, a great cure for the mid-week blues. 

I would suggest cooking some steamed rice to serve over the sesame tofu. I just mixed it with the noodles, which was fine, but the noodles lost some of their own original flavour in the yumminess of the sesame sauce.

Sesame Tofu

Cooking time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4


1 package firm tofu, cubed

Marinade

2 tablespoons light soy sauce

1 tablespoon cooking wine

3 drops sesame oil

2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

¼ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Sauce

½ cup water

1 cup broth

¹¼ cup white vinegar 

¼ cup cornstarch

1 cup sugar 

2 tablespoons dark soy sauce

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 teaspoon chili paste 

Prepare the marinade in a small bowl. Add the tofu, and let sit for 20 minutes, stirring once after about 10 minutes. 

Add all of the sauce incredients in a small saucepan. Heat over medium for 5 minutes, and then turn the heat off, stirring frequently.

 Once the tofu has been marinated for 20 minutes, fry it in a large pan over medium in 3tbsp oil.

After the tofu is fried, add it to the sauce and serve over a bed of rice.

Recipe can be found here

Week 1: "Chinese"/"What We Think Chinese Food Is"

Ingredients we needed to buy*:
Apples, wine vinegar, corn starch, marmalade, carrots, orange juice concentrate, bok choy, green onion, garlic, celery, tofu (one firm, one soft), bean sprouts, 3 bell peppers, mushrooms, cabbage.
Cost: $37.53

So, here's on the hit list for the week:
-Mandarin Seitan
-Hot and Sour Soup
-Sesame Tofu
-Singapore Noodles
-Steamed Buns
-Cabbage Salad
-Fried Rice


*This assumes you own basic ingredients such as salt, soy sauce, sugar, rice etc...