Description
Singapore’s beloved cellophane noodle bowls blend delicate vermicelli with succulent proteins and zesty herbs. Crisp vegetables and a tangy sauce create a harmonious dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) extra firm tofu, well-drained and cubed
- 1 bundle mung bean noodles (80 g / 2.8 oz)
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 3 tbsps lime juice
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 Thai chili, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup water
- ⅓ cup dried butterfly pea flowers
- 2 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, shaved
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Fried shallots
- Chopped peanuts
- Vegetable oil, for sautéing
Instructions
- Color Infusion: Steep butterfly pea flowers in simmering water to create a captivating cobalt-blue liquid bath for cellophane noodles.
- Noodle Transformation: Immerse cellophane noodles in the azure water, allowing them to absorb the vibrant color and become translucent, then drain carefully.
- Flavor Symphony: Whisk together lime juice, water, sugar, minced garlic, chopped chili, and fish sauce to create a harmonious, tangy dressing.
- Tofu Marinade: Blend soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, then bathe tofu cubes in this aromatic mixture to enhance their flavor profile.
- Culinary Alchemy: Sear marinated tofu in hot vegetable oil until golden-brown, then simmer with the remaining marinade to create a glossy, caramelized coating.
- Artistic Plating: Arrange the blue-tinted noodles in serving bowls, watching them magically transform to soft pink hues when the sauce is drizzled.
- Garnish Finale: Crown the dish with sautéed tofu, then adorn with thinly sliced radishes, carrot shavings, fresh cilantro, crispy fried shallots, and chopped peanuts.
Notes
- Color-Changing Magic: Butterfly pea flowers create a stunning blue hue that transforms to pink when acidic ingredients touch the noodles, making your dish a visual spectacle.
- Tofu Marination Technique: Soak tofu in soy sauce mixture for at least 15 minutes to ensure deep flavor penetration and enhanced taste profile.
- Noodle Absorption Tip: Steep cellophane noodles in blue flower water gently to maximize color intensity without compromising texture.
- Texture Balance Strategy: Layer crispy fried shallots and crunchy peanuts to add contrasting textures that elevate the overall eating experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg