Vegan Vietnamese Vegetarian Noodle Salad

Preparation

1. Step 1

   For the dressing: In a bowl, combine sugar, soy sauce, lime juice and three tablespoons water. Whisk until sugar is dissolved. Add garlic and chilies and let stand for one hour before serving.

2. Step 2

   For the salad: Bring a medium-size pot of water to boil. Turn off the heat. Add the noodles to the water and soak until soft, five to eight minutes. Drain, rinsing under cold water, and drain again. Using scissors, cut the noodles into six-inch lengths. Set aside.

3. Step 3

   In a wok over high heat, add oil and heat to 350 degrees. Pat the tofu dry with paper towels. Add to wok and fry until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes. Using a wire strainer or spatula, transfer tofu to paper towels, reserving the oil. Turn off the heat. When the tofu is cool enough to handle, cut it into half-inch dice. Set aside.

4. Step 4

   Discard all but two tablespoons of the oil in the wok, and return to high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add diced tofu, garlic, bok choy or napa cabbage, mushrooms and chilies. Stir-fry until mushrooms are tender, about three minutes. Add mung bean sprouts, scallions, and soy sauce; stir-fry just until crisp-tender, two to three minutes. Add half a cup of the cucumbers, and cook 30 seconds.

5. Step 5

   In a large bowl, combine lettuce, sesame oil, mint, cilantro, basil and cooked vegetables. Toss lightly to combine. Divide the noodles among four (or two) bowls, and top with equal parts of salad. Garnish with remaining cucumbers, roasted peanuts and cilantro sprigs. Pass the dressing separately, to be spooned over the salad.