Tofu Stir-Fry

I'm not a HUGE fan of tofu, but made this way, it's not mushy and it really has a lot of flavor. Here is one of the few ways I like to make it:

-1/3 package of extra firm tofu, cubed and patted dry
-2 carrots, shredded
-2 or 3 heaping tbsp of chopped cilantro
-1 tbsp of toasted sesame seeds
-11/2 cup of chopped snow peas
-5 tbsp of low sodium soy sauce
-1/2 tsp of garlic chili sauce
-1 packet of chinese take-out duck sauce
-1 tsp of sesame oil
- 1 scallion, chopped
-1/2 tsp garlic powder
-2 tsp of olive oil
-fresh ground pepper
-White rice or lettuce leaves for wraps

Use a non-stick pan and toast the sesame seeds under low heat.  Take the sesame seeds out when golden and wipe the frying pan.  Place the patted dry tofu with the olive oil in the pan and cook until the tofu is browned. Then, add the carrots, snow peas, soy sauce, sesame oil and duck sauce.  Add more soy sauce if it looks dry.  Also add the garlic powder and some black pepper.  Cook the vegetables a few minutes until a little tender but so that the snow peas are still crispy. Add the scallions and cilantro.  Mix and turn the heat off.  Scoop on top of white rice and sprinkle the sesame seeds.  You can also wrap these in lettuce leaves.

Top Ramen Can Be Classy

It's 4a.m. I am home from work and I am hungry. You can't go to sleep hungry...What to make....? Ramen Noodles!  I like to "dress up" my ramen noodles so that they taste better and I get some actual nutrition (besides the 10% of daily iron in them).  Make sure if you use Top Ramen, use the Oriental flavor (wow what a politically incorrect way of naming noodles), because it is the only one that doesn't use meat broth.  Of course you can always use a healthier and more expensive version, such as Thai Kitchen Mushroom Noodle Bowl, which is advertises itself as vegan.

Put some water on to boil. I like to add more water than it calls for. While the water is boiling, chop up the vegetables and herbs and place them in a large bowl. Cook the noodles with their flavor packet and add some hot sauce or chili garlic sauce. Pour the soup over the raw vegetables that are in the bowl and add ground pepper. You can also add a dash of soy sauce and/or hot sesame oil. Tonight I added shredded carrots, snow peas, and cilantro.  Sliced mushrooms and red bell pepper are also great additions.

Now, does this have tons of sodium and MSG? Yes. Is this HEALTHY? Not really. But does this taste good and satisfy your appetite in a short amount of time? Yes.