Fresh Soba and Cucumber Salad with Tofu Crumbles

Ingredients

• 180 g Dried soba noodles
• 300 g Extra-firm tofu (Drained and crumbled)
• 1 Cucumber (Thinly sliced or cut into half-moons)
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp Sesame oil
• 1 tsp Fresh ginger (Finely grated)
• 1 Garlic (Small clove, finely grated or minced)
• 1 tbsp Sesame seeds (For serving)
• 2 Spring onion (Thinly sliced, for serving)
• 1 tsp Neutral cooking oil (For cooking the tofu)
• Red pepper flakes (Optional, to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Drain the tofu and press it briefly between paper towels or clean kitchen towels to remove excess moisture. Crumble it into small, irregular pieces with your hands.

2. 2

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook according to the package directions until just tender.

3. 3

   Drain the soba thoroughly, then rinse it under cold running water until completely cool. Toss or stir the noodles while rinsing so excess starch is removed and the strands do not clump.

4. 4

   Thinly slice the cucumber and spring onions. Grate or finely mince the ginger and garlic.

5. 5

   Heat the neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled tofu and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and lightly golden in places.

6. 6

   Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes to a small bowl. Whisk until combined.

7. 7

   Place the chilled soba noodles and sliced cucumber in a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss gently until the noodles and cucumber are evenly coated.

8. 8

   Add the tofu crumbles and toss briefly, taking care not to break the tofu into a paste.

9. 9

   Divide the salad between two bowls. Finish with the sliced spring onion and sesame seeds, and serve immediately while fresh and cool.

Notes

The provided transcript confirms two portions and approximately 32.5 grams of plant protein per serving, but does not provide the ingredient list, quantities, or method. Ingredients and instructions have therefore been reconstructed from the dish title and transcript and should be treated as estimates.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• salad
• vegetarian
• vegan
• high-protein
• dairy-free
• summer
• noodle-salad