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Spicy Garlic Noodles with Crumbled Tofu and Cucumber Salad

For The Cucumber Salad

• 1large Persian cucumber, diced
• 2cloves minced garlic
• 1handful cilantro leaves
• 1teaspoon rice wine vinegar
• 1/2teaspoon salt
• 1/4teaspoon grapeseed oil (or other neutral tasting oil)
• 1/2teaspoon toasted sesame oil

For The Noodles

• 1(16-ounce) box fettuccine noodles (or other thick wheat noodle)
• 1tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 14ounces extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 1 1/2tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (optional)
• 2tablespoons peanut oil
• 4ounces sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 1large shallot, finely diced
• 1inch knob of ginger, finely chopped
• 3cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3tablespoons soy sauce or Bragg's liquid aminos
• 2tablespoons chili sauce (I used Sriracha)
• 2tablespoons agave nectar (or honey)
• 1/2cup broth of choice
• 2sliced scallions, for garnish

1. Salt the diced cucumber and allow it to sit in a tea towel-lined colander for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, boil the noodles according to package directions. Once drained, toss them with the sesame oil. Wrap the towel around the cucumber and gently squeeze out some liquid. Combine cucumber with the remaining salad ingredients in a bowl and set it aside in the refrigerator.
2. Crumble the tofu into a mixing bowl and combine with the cornstarch and five spice powder. Coat the bottom of a wok or frying pan with peanut oil and heat on high until it’s almost smoking. Brown the tofu, stirring continuously, until it resembles cooked, ground meat. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside; don't clean the pan.
3. Add the mushrooms, shallots, ginger, and garlic to the pan, using more oil if necessary. Lower the heat to medium and sauté until the mushrooms are golden and the shallots are slightly caramelized. Add the soy sauce, chili sauce, and agave nectar. Return the tofu to the pan. Add the broth to the mixture and cook for an additional minute, stirring to combine.
4. Toss the mixture with the noodles and scallions. Top with cucumber salad.

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