Thai Rice Noodles with Veggies and Protein Recipe

This is one of my favorite recipes because it is so simple, made with real ingredients, bursting with all kinds of flavors AND unbelievably fills you up. I actually feel as if I am losing weight as I inhale this delicious dish. Inspired by one of my closest friends at a weekend away in Westcliffe, CO, this recipe is very versatile as you can chop any vegetables that you prefer and not necessarily follow this recipe to a T.

I’ve included fried Tofu in the recipe below (since I am a vegetarian), but feel free to replace the protein with grilled chicken, cooked shrimp and/or scallops, grilled steak, or any protein of your choosing.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 English cucumber, chopped or sliced
1 bunch bok choy, chopped
1/2 red, yellow or orange bell pepper, chopped or sliced
1/3 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup fresh bean sprouts
1/2 cup microgreens (any kind)
1/3 cup water chestnuts, chopped
1 cup sliced shitake mushrooms, grilled or lightly fried (with a spray of olive oil)
1 package extra firm tofu (spiced with 1 tsp each of garlic powder, salt, dried parsely flakes, paprika and 1/2 tsp of ground pepper)
3 green onions, chopped
2 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped
2 Tbsp fresh thai basil, chopped
2 Tbsp peanut peices
1 jalepeno pepper, chopped
1 package Vermicilli Rice Noodles

FOR THE SAUCE:

2 Tbsp garlic chili sauce
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp gluten free Tamari
1 Tbsp water

DIRECTIONS

Place all chopped ingredients on a serving tray

Chop the Tofu into small rectangles, spray a large frying pan with olive oil, and turn the stovetop to medium heat. Place the tofu in a large mixing bowl and add all the spices. Mix until the tofu is well spiced.

Place the spiced tofu in the pan and allow it to brown approximately 6-8 minutes on each side.

In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Turn off heat and add the Vermicilli rice noodles to the pot. Mix and cover for 5 minutes and then drain in colander.

In a separate bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients.

Add all the ingredients that you prefer to a bowl and splash a bit of sauce on top. Mix it all up and ENJOY!