Introduction
Chili sesame sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a punch of flavor to a variety of dishes. This sauce harmoniously combines the nuttiness of peanut butter and sesame oil with the heat of chili paste, making it a perfect complement for stir-fried vegetables, noodles, and even salads. In this recipe, we will explore how to use this delightful sauce with zoodles (zucchini noodles) and crispy tofu for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 1/3 cup sesame oil
– 1/3 cup light low sodium soy sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons chili paste (like sambal oelek)
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 knob of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
For the Zoodles and Tofu:
– 12 ounces extra firm tofu
– 4–6 zucchini
– Sesame seeds and scallions for topping
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. **Chili Sesame Sauce:** Combine all sauce ingredients in a jar and shake well, or blend in a food processor until smooth. For a cold dish, refrigerate the sauce beforehand.
2. **Tofu:** Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Heat a small amount of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the sauce and simmer until it thickens and coats the tofu, forming browned bits. Stir gently to prevent sticking, aiming for a crispy texture.
3. **Assembly:** Spiralize the zucchini into noodles. Toss the zoodles with approximately 1/4 cup of the sauce per serving. Top with the crispy tofu, sesame seeds, and scallions. Serve immediately.
Notes
– The zoodles are served raw for a crunchy texture, resembling a salad. Cooking them may result in a soggy consistency.
– To prevent the dish from becoming watery, serve it right after mixing the zoodles with the sauce.
– Adjust the amount of tofu based on the number of servings desired.
– For storage, keep the sauce separate from the zoodles and tofu, combining them just before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Chili Sesame Sauce
Combine all sauce ingredients: 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/3 cup sesame oil, 1/3 cup light low sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons chili paste, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 knob of grated ginger in a jar. Shake well or blend in a food processor until smooth. For a refreshing touch, refrigerate the sauce beforehand.
Tofu
Press the 12 ounces of extra firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Heat a small amount of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the tofu pieces and cook until they turn golden brown. Once golden, pour in about 1/2 cup of the prepared sauce and let it simmer until it thickens and coats the tofu, creating browned bits. Stir gently to prevent sticking while aiming for a crispy texture.
Assembly
Spiralize 4–6 zucchini to create zoodles. Toss the zoodles with approximately 1/4 cup of the sauce per serving. Top each serving with the crispy tofu, sesame seeds, and chopped scallions. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Zoodles Texture
The zoodles are served raw to maintain a crunchy texture, similar to a salad. Cooking them may lead to a soggy consistency.
Preventing Watery Dish
To avoid the dish becoming watery, combine the zoodles with the sauce and serve immediately after mixing.
Tofu Adjustment
Adjust the quantity of tofu based on the desired number of servings to accommodate your needs.
Storage Recommendation
For storage, keep the sauce separate from the zoodles and tofu to maintain quality. Combine them just before serving to ensure freshness.
Cook techniques
Making Chili Sesame Sauce
Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake well, or blend in a food processor until smooth for a cohesive flavor profile. Refrigerate beforehand for a refreshing cold dish.
Preparing Tofu
Press the tofu to eliminate excess moisture for a better texture. Cut into bite-sized pieces and cook in a nonstick pan over medium heat until golden brown. Add sauce and simmer to achieve a crispy texture.
Spiralizing Zucchini
Use a spiralizer to transform the zucchini into noodles, providing a crunchy salad-like texture. Avoid cooking them to maintain firmness.
Serving the Dish
Toss zoodles with sauce right before serving to prevent sogginess. Top with crispy tofu, sesame seeds, and scallions for added flavor and texture.
FAQ
Can I substitute peanut butter for another ingredient?
Yes, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as alternatives, but this will alter the flavor.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Increase the amount of chili paste or add red pepper flakes to enhance the heat level.
What type of zucchini is best for zoodles?
Any variety of zucchini works well, but medium-sized zucchinis are preferred for optimal spiralizing.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the sauce, zoodles, and tofu separated in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving to maintain texture.
Conclusion
This Chili Sesame Sauce combined with zoodles and tofu creates a vibrant, flavorful dish that is both satisfying and healthy. The combination of nutty and spicy flavors brings a delightful kick, while the zoodles offer a fresh crunch. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also versatile, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners.
Spicy Sesame Chicken
Swap out the tofu for bite-sized pieces of chicken breast and cook them in the same manner. The flavorful sauce will coat the chicken beautifully for a delicious twist.
Crispy Chickpea Salad
Replace tofu with roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed, plant-based option. Toss the chickpeas with zoodles and drizzle with the chili sesame sauce for a filling salad.
Asian Quinoa Bowl
Serve the chili sesame sauce over a bed of cooked quinoa, adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for a hearty, nutritious meal.
Rice Noodle Stir-Fry
Use rice noodles instead of zoodles, stir-frying them with assorted vegetables and proteins, then finish with the chili sesame sauce for an indulgent, comforting dish.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Marinate shrimp in the chili sesame sauce before grilling them on skewers. Serve with a side of zoodles for a light and flavorful meal.
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Fill rice paper wrappers with fresh vegetables and herbs, serve with the chili sesame sauce for dipping, creating a refreshing appetizer or snack.
