Tofu Lo Mein

Made this for my celebration of the Year of the Dog, Chinese New Year! I based this recipe on the pork lo mein I use to eat when I still ate meat. This version is sooo much tastier and much more healthy too. You can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth if you wish. You will get a different but equally as pleasing result.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 8-9

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2-3  cups  reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth (homemade is best)
• 16  ounces firm tofu
• 5  teaspoons reduced sodium soy sauce, divided
• 2 (3 3/4ounce) packages cellophane noodles (can use lingune,if needed)
• 1  cup broccoli floret, large dice
• 1  cup carrot, medium dice
• 1  medium yellow onion, cut in half and sliced
• 1  large  red pepper, thin strips
• 1  medium  yellow pepper, thin strips
• 2  teaspoons red pepper flakes (more if wanted)
• 1⁄2 cup  rice wine vinegar (must be this type of vinegar for flavor)

Directions

1. ** To drain tofu: Remove from package and pat dry with paper towel. Place long side down on dinner plate, top with another plate and put heavy weight on it. Weight could be a small potful of water, a heavy can, or even your iron. Set aside and leave like that while you prepare vegetables.
2. When vegetables are all cut and ready, remove the tofu slabs, pat dry and cube.
3. Place tofu cubes in a bowl and add sesame oil and 2 tsp soy sauce. Toss and set aside.
4. At this point, you can place everything into the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours. This way you can prepare in the morning or night before, and finish for dinner.
5. Put broth and 3 tsp soy sauce in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
6. Stir in vegetables and vinegar. Continue to simmer,covered about five minutes.
7. Add noodles, stir.
8. Simmer about 6 minutes uncovered, until noodles have just about absorbed the liquid, stir occasionally. If using lingune, you MAY have to use all or part of the leftover 1/2 cup of broth at this time.
9. Gently stir in tofu and pepper flakes.
10. Cover, remove from heat source, and let sit about five minutes allowing pepper flakes to meld.
11. Serve and enjoy. This goes well with my Raindrop Soup.