Brown Rice Noodles with Lemongrass & Ginger Tea, Thai Basil, Lime, Sesame & Peanuts with Tofu
As part of our Make Time with Seasalt & Pukka partnership, chef and food writer Claire, from The 5 O’Clock Apron, has created three feel-good recipes for us, using Pukka Herbs.
Rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre, brown rice has a lovely nutty flavour and a higher nutritional value than white rice. This brown rice noodle recipe packs a health and flavour punch, with bright South East Asian ingredients, like lemongrass, ginger, lime and Thai basil. Claire’s also added some healthy protein in Tofu and a sprinkle of peanuts for a satisfying crunch.
METHOD
Serves 4
Cook the noodles as per the packet instructions, drain and refresh under cold running water. Drain once more and add a splash of the sesame seed oil to the noodles, mixing well to prevent them from sticking, then put to one side in a large serving bowl.
In a small saucepan add 150mls water, the teabags and the sugar, bring to the boil and simmer for about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Add the lime juice and the soy sauce. Add the garlic and the ginger. Add the dressing to the noodles in the bowl and mix well, adding more soy, lime or sesame to taste.
Get a cast iron or non-stick frying pan hot, add the sunflower oil and fry the tofu in a single layer until nicely browned on both sides, 3 – 5 minutes in total should do. Remove from the heat.
Add the chilli, Thai basil, peanuts and sesame seeds to the dressed noodles and top with the fried tofu to serve.
INGREDIENTS
300g thin brown rice noodles
1 – 2 tbsp sesame oil, + more to add to the noodles to stop them from sticking
3 lemongrass and ginger Pukka teabags, tags removed, or ½ stick fresh lemongrass and a few slices of fresh ginger
2 tbsp caster sugar
2 or 3 juicy limes, or more to taste
2 – 3 tbsp light soy sauce, or use fish sauce for non vegan
1 clove garlic, peeled and finely sliced or chopped, or more to taste
Small piece of fresh ginger, grated, about 1 tbsp, or more to taste
280g packet of firm tofu, cut into bite sized pieces
1 tbsp. peanut or use vegetable oil, to fry the tofu
1 bunch of Thai basil, or use regular basil, mint or coriander
1 – 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
30g salted peanuts
1 – 2 fresh chillies, finely sliced, or more to taste
For more from our Make Time with Seasalt & Pukka partnership – including nourishing recipes, growing guides and meditations – sign up to become a Seasalt Friend and we’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing.
