Best Easy Soy Paste Noodles Recipe

Thick noodles are topped with a sweet-savory soybean paste sauce and fresh shredded vegetables. This vegetarian-adaptable family dish is a simpler cousin of zhajiang noodles with a milder, sweeter flavor profile.

Cook 35 min Difficulty EASY 410 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • thick wheat noodles 12 oz
  • firm tofu 6 oz
  • cucumber 1 pieces
  • carrot 1 pieces
  • scallions 2 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • soybean paste (douban or miso) 3 tbsp
  • soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • sugar 1.5 tbsp
  • sesame oil 1.5 tbsp
  • water 0.33 cup
  • garlic 2 cloves
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 65 g 63%
Protein 13 g 13%
Fat 9 g 20%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cook thick wheat noodles in a large pot of boiling water until al dente (about 8–10 minutes), then drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, finely dice the firm tofu; set aside. Mince the garlic.

  3. 3

    Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced tofu. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, gently stirring to prevent burning.

  4. 4

    Stir in soybean paste, soy sauce, and sugar, then pour in 1/3 cup water. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and glossy.

  5. 5

    Julienne cucumber and carrot. Slice scallions thinly.

  6. 6

    To serve, divide noodles into bowls. Spoon the hot soybean paste sauce over noodles. Top with generous portions of shredded cucumber, carrot, and sliced scallions. Drizzle with extra sesame oil if desired. Serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What’s the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient in this Soy Paste Noodles recipe is the soybean paste. It provides the signature sweet-savory flavor and creamy texture for the sauce, making the dish distinctly flavorful while remaining mild compared to spicier noodle sauces.
Q. How can I prevent the noodles from becoming sticky or clumping?
To keep noodles from sticking, rinse the cooked thick wheat noodles under cold water immediately after boiling. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch. Tossing noodles with a splash of sesame oil before serving also helps maintain their silky texture.
Q. What is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving provides about 13g protein and 65g carbohydrates, making the protein-to-carb calorie ratio approximately 1:5. This means the noodles are a carbohydrate-rich dish balanced with a moderate amount of plant-based protein from tofu and wheat noodles.
Q. Which step is most important for developing flavor in the sauce?
Simmering the diced tofu with soybean paste, soy sauce, and sugar over medium-low heat (Step 4) is crucial. This melds the savory and sweet elements, thickens the sauce, and gently infuses the tofu with umami flavors.
Q. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. All ingredients listed are plant-based, and the sauce uses no meat or seafood products. For strict vegetarian diets, ensure your soybean paste contains no animal additives.
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