Cold Cellophane Noodle Salad

I whipped this salad up when I felt the need for something full of noodles but did not want either peanut sauce or tomato sauce:-). The vegetables can be infinitely varied but this is the combination I liked. The sauce comes from Vegan with a Vengance and I use it for a million and one things in my kitchen. It's DELECIOUS. Tofu or Soy Puffs are pre-fried tofu cubes that are puffy and soft. They are available at most Asian grocers. If you cannot find them substitute pan-fried, extra firm cotton tofu.

• Ready In: 17 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• FOR THE SALAD

• 9  ounces cellophane noodles
• 1 (15 ounce) can  baby corn, quartered
• 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, slivered
• 1  red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
• 1⁄2  an English cucumber, cut into matchsticks
• 2  large scallions, including green parts, finely diced
• 4  ounces tofu, puffs sliced into strips
• 4  cups boiling water

• FOR THE SAUCE

• 1⁄2 cup mirin
• 3  tablespoons tamari
• 2  tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1  tablespoon  dark sesame oil
• 1  tablespoon sriracha sauce (korean chili sauce)
• 1 -2  garlic clove, finely minced
• 1⁄2 inch  piece gingerroot, peeled and finely grated

Directions

1. Pour the boiling water over the noodles in a large bowl. Make sure the noodles are submerged. Cover the bowl with a lid or large plate and allow to soak for about 4 or 5 minutes.
2. Take off the cover and stir after about 4 minutes and allow to soak again until the noodles are firm to the bit but full cooked.
3. Pour the noodles into a colonder and run ice cold water over them until they are cool and not at all sticky. Set aside.
4. Slice all the vegetables and tofu and add them to your serving bowl.
5. Add cold noodles and toss until they are well incorporated with the vegetables.
6. Whisk all the ingredients for the sauce together and allow to sit for a few minutes.
7. Add sauce to the salad and mix with your hands.
8. Serve with pan fried dumplings. YUM!