SUBGUM-STYLE VEGETABLE CHOW MEIN WITH AIR-FRIED TOFU ==================================================== Description: Our take on Subgum-Style Vegetable Chow Mein is a vibrant and flavorful dish, loaded with fresh veggies and topped with perfectly air-fried tofu for a satisfying crunch. A delicious and wholesome meal that's sure to become a family favorite! Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Yields: Approximately 4 servings --- INGREDIENTS --- - For the Chow Mein: - 8 oz pasta noodles (e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are suitable substitutes for traditional chow mein noodles) - 1 tbsp avocado oil or other neutral high-heat oil (Optional for stir-frying; can substitute with water or vegetable broth for an oil-free version) - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced - 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, minced - 1 tsp ground ginger (adjust to your taste preference) - 2 medium carrots, julienned or thinly sliced - 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced diagonally - 1 medium bell pepper (any color you have on hand), thinly sliced - 1/2 medium head of cabbage, thinly shredded (yields about 4 cups) - Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional) - Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional) - For the Subgum Sauce: - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (use tamari for gluten-free) - 1/2 cup vegetable broth - 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar (this is optional, include if you prefer a touch of sweetness) - 1 tbsp rice vinegar - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil - 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder as an alternative) thoroughly mixed with 2 tbsp cold water to form a smooth slurry - For the Tofu: - A block of pre-marinated tofu (approximately 14-16 oz), cubed or sliced for air frying --- INSTRUCTIONS --- 1. Cook Noodles: Prepare the pasta noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them well and rinse with cold water. This helps to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. 2. Set aside. 3. Air-Fry Tofu (This can be done concurrently): As your water for the noodles is heating, or while you're prepping the vegetables, preheat your Emeril Lagasse French Door Air-Fryer 360. Arrange your marinated tofu pieces in a single layer within the air fryer basket or on a suitable tray. Air fry at approximately 375-400°F (190-200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to flip the pieces halfway through the cooking time, or until they are golden brown and have reached your desired level of crispiness. (Note: Cooking time can fluctuate based on the size of the tofu pieces and the specifics of your marinade). 4. Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the Subgum Sauce: low-sodium soy sauce/tamari, vegetable broth, maple syrup/agave (if you're using it), rice vinegar, and the toasted sesame oil. Keep the cornstarch slurry separate for now. 5. Prep Vegetables: Make sure all your vegetables (onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and cabbage) are chopped, sliced, or julienned to your preference. A mix of shapes and sizes works well for a "subgum" style. 6. Stir-fry Aromatics & Harder Veggies: 7. If you're using oil, heat the 1 tbsp of avocado oil in a large skillet, a wok, or on your Empava induction cooktop set to medium-high heat. 8. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until it begins to soften. 9. Introduce the minced garlic and ground ginger to the wok, stir-frying for an additional 30 seconds until their fragrance is released. 10. Next, add the carrots and celery. Continue to stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, aiming for them to become tender-crisp. 11. (Oil-Free Alternative: If you prefer to cook without oil, you can use 2-3 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth to stir-fry the vegetables. Add more liquid in small amounts as needed to prevent any sticking). 12. Add Softer Veggies: Incorporate the sliced bell pepper and shredded cabbage into the wok. Continue to stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cabbage has wilted to your liking and all the vegetables are perfectly tender-crisp. 13. Combine & Thicken: Pour the prepared Subgum Sauce mixture over the vegetables in the wok. Bring the contents to a gentle simmer. 14. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir to ensure it's well-combined, then add it to the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce visibly thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes. 15. Add Noodles: Gently add the cooked and drained pasta noodles to the wok, joining the vegetables and sauce. Toss everything together carefully but thoroughly, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Allow to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, so the noodles heat through completely. 16. Serve: Divide the Subgum-Style Vegetable Chow Mein among your serving bowls. Generously top each portion with the crispy air-fried tofu. If desired, garnish with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. 17. Rationale for Toasted Sesame Oil: We've included a mere teaspoon of toasted sesame oil in the sauce. While our goal is often low-oil, toasted sesame oil imparts a significant, unique nutty aroma and taste that is a hallmark of many Asian stir-fry dishes, including Chow Mein. Its contribution here is for that distinct flavor advantage, using it as a seasoning rather than a primary cooking fat, which aligns with our mindful oil use. --- CHEF'S NOTES --- Noodle Choice: Traditional Chow Mein noodles have a different chew, but many pasta shapes make excellent stand-ins. Ginger Power: Ground ginger is potent! Feel free to adjust the 1 tsp based on how much ginger zing you enjoy. Heat It Up: For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite chili garlic sauce can be added to the Subgum Sauce. Tofu's Contribution: Remember, the nutritional details above don't account for your air-fried tofu. Tofu is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, iron, and calcium, and its contribution will depend on your marinade and portion size. "Subgum" Variety: The beauty of Subgum is the mix! Don't hesitate to adjust vegetable quantities or add other quick-cooking veggies you might have, like snow peas or bok choy. Assumptions: The 8oz of "pasta noodles" refers to standard dry wheat-based spaghetti or linguine. Nutritional values can vary slightly between brands and types. Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari is used for the sodium calculation. Regular soy sauce will significantly increase the sodium content. The 1 tbsp of optional maple syrup is included in the sugar and calorie calculations. If omitted, these values will be slightly lower. Vegetable sizes (onion, carrots, bell pepper, cabbage) are "medium" as commonly found in supermarkets. Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.