📖 Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the block of tofu in several layers of paper towels, then place a heavy object (like a cast-iron skillet or a stack of books) on top. Let it press for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour.
2. Cut and Marinate the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (or agave), and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Add the tofu cubes and toss gently to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
3. Bake or Pan-Fry the Tofu: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the marinated tofu cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is golden brown and slightly crispy. Alternatively, you can pan-fry the tofu in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until it's browned on all sides.
4. Cook the Noodles: While the tofu is baking, cook your noodles according to package instructions. I love using spaghetti, but any noodles will work such as linguine, udon, or even ramen. Make sure not to overcook them; they should be al dente.
5. Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of peanut butter, ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (or agave), 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha (depending on your spice preference), 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of warm water. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well and add them to a large bowl. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every strand is covered in that yummy sauce!
7. Add the Tofu: Gently fold in the baked or pan-fried tofu cubes into the saucy noodles. Be careful not to break the tofu as you mix it in.
8. Garnish and Serve: Serve the spicy peanut noodles immediately. Garnish with chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. A little goes a long way so be careful with the red pepper flakes!
9. Wrap it Up (Optional): If you want to make a wrap, lay out a large lettuce leaf or a tortilla. Spoon a generous amount of the noodle and tofu mixture onto the wrap. Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly. Cut in half and serve! It tastes great even without being wrapped!