Vegetarian Ginger Soup with Tofu and Udon Noodles

Ingredients:

Bouillon

• 1 liter of vegetable broth
• A 5cm piece of fresh ginger, cut in half.
• A pinch of sugar
• 1/3 tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1/2 tsp Indonesian hot chili paste sauce (sambal)

Soup and fried tofu

• 450 gr. hard tofu cheese
• 450 g coarsely chopped Chinese broccoli
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp hot paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 lightly beaten eggs
• 2 tbsp. l. peanut butter
• 2 tbsp. l. sesame oil
• 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh ginger
• 2 crushed cloves of garlic
• 1 chopped dried chili pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Noodles

• 225 g ready udon noodles
• 1 bunch of chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts

Preparation:

1. To make the soup, combine the vegetable broth, ginger, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sambal in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 15 minutes at a low simmer to allow the flavors to meld.
2. To make fried tofu, cut a piece of cheese lengthwise, then in half to create 4 slices. Line a cutting board with several layers of paper towels and arrange the tofu slices tightly next to each other. Cover the steaks with paper towels and press down to absorb as much whey as possible (this will make the cheese firmer and prevent it from spreading during cooking).
   
   Mix breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dip each tofu slice in the beaten egg, then coat in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Heat the peanut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu slices for 4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate lined with fresh paper towels.
3. Add sesame oil to the pan and sauté the ginger, garlic, and chili pepper for 2 minutes to create a base flavor. Add the broccoli and sauté for 3 minutes, until just beginning to soften. Season with salt and pepper. Divide the udon noodles and spicy broth among 4 servings. Add the broccoli, then top with a piece of tofu. For garnish, sprinkle with green onions, cilantro, and peanuts before serving.