Kelp Noodle Stirfry with Tofu, Veggies, and Tamarind Sauce

Becoming increasingly popular, kelp noodles are a sea vegetable that is formulated with–you guessed it!–kelp, sodium alginate, and water. They are naturally gluten-free and vegan, and I’m pretty sure every bag I have seen says “gluten-free” right on the package. Kelp noodles stand in for grain-based noodles in this easy stir fry, excellent for those trying out a few meat-free meals. Baking the tofu brings on a meatier texture, and the sauce gives a nice balance of spicy/salty/sour/sweet.

Kelp Noodle Stirfry with Tofu, Veggies, and Tamarind Sauce

For the tofu:
1 (350g) package extra-firm tofu, squeezed of excess liquid, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup vegetable broth
3-4 tablespoons wheat-free tamari
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (2-inch) piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the stirfry sauce:
1/2 cup vegetable broth, plus more as needed
1/4 cup wheat-free tamari
2 tablespoons agave nectar
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
2 teaspoons Thai (or regular) chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons canola or neutral coconut oil
2-3 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh vegetables, such as snap peas, broccoli, carrots, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetable broth, as necessary
2 (12 ounce) bags kelp noodles, rinsed and cut into pieces with scissors
6 cups bean sprouts
4 green onions, chopped

To make the tofu, mix together all of the ingredients. Let sit 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425F. Pour the mixture in a small baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes until the top of the tofu pieces are dry and brown. Flip each piece and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the other side is browned. Set aside.

For the sauce, blend all ingredients until smooth.

To make the stirfry, heat the oil on high heat in a skillet. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it starts to brown. Add the vegetables (except for bean sprouts), starting with crispier vegetables such as carrots and broccoli, adding vegetable broth as necessary to keep a bit of liquid in the pan. Once the vegetables are tender crisp, add the tofu, noodles, and bean sprouts. Add sauce, just enough to coat the ingredients. Turn to low heat and cook until the noodles are tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in the green onions. Serve immediately. Leftover sauce can keep covered and refrigerated for up to 1 week.

 

Orange Maple Tempeh

Sweet, salty, and sour, this tempeh is quick to prepare and does well with a dose of cayenne at the end. If you can get it, look for dark maple syrup — it gives the best flavor.

Orange Maple Tempeh

Makes 4 servings

Juice and zest of one large orange
2 tablespoons gluten-free tamari
1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, preferably dark
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (250g) package of tempeh (pre-steamed), cut into triangles about 3/4 cm thick
2 tablespoons coconut oil or good quality extra-virgin olive oil

Put the orange juice, orange zest, tamari, maple syrup, and garlic in a shallow bowl. Mix to combine, then add the tempeh, making sure it is completely covered with the mixture. Marinate for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight.

After marinating, heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tempeh to the skillet, reserving the marinade. Fry until brown on each side, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the marinade, and let simmer until it has absorbed.