Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s Spicy Peanut Tofu Noodles

Cook, author and presenter Julia Busuttil Nishimura is known for uncomplicated, flavour-packed food influenced by her Maltese heritage, the seasons and the time she spent living in Tuscany. In her new cookbook, Simple Pleasures, Julia turns pantry staples and seasonal produce into satisfying meals designed to be cooked and enjoyed again and again.

These spicy peanut tofu noodles are no exception, bringing together golden tofu, fresh egg noodles and Chinese broccoli with a punchy dressing that can be adjusted to suit your preferred level of heat.

Spicy peanut tofu noodles
Serves 4
Ingredients

1 tablespoon light-flavoured extra-virgin olive oil or neutral vegetable oil
375g firm tofu, cubed
Sea salt and white pepper
1 bunch Chinese broccoli, trimmed
400g fresh egg noodles
2 spring onions, finely sliced, to serve
Spicy peanut dressing
80g crunchy peanut butter
80ml (⅓ cup) soy sauce
1 tablespoon caster sugar
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1–2 tablespoons chilli crisp, depending on how spicy you would like it, plus extra to serve
100ml chicken stock

Method

Make the spicy peanut dressing by whisking all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Set aside.

Warm the olive or vegetable oil in a frying pan over high heat and fry the tofu until golden on all sides, around 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and white pepper to taste and set aside.

Blanch the Chinese broccoli in a large saucepan of salted boiling water until tender, around three minutes. Drain and refresh under cold water, then cut into 4cm lengths. Set aside.

Cook the noodles according to the directions on the packet. Drain, reserving some of the liquid. Transfer to the bowl with the dressing, along with the tofu and broccoli, and toss to coat.

The noodles will soak up the dressing, so add some of the reserved cooking water, if needed, to help loosen everything.

Season to taste and serve with the spring onion and extra chilli crisp, if desired.

Simple Pleasures by Julia Busuttil Nishimura, published by Plum, RRP: $44.99, photography by Armelle Habib.