Korean Noodles & Tofu Meatballs is a Spicy Korean Treat

ingredients:

For the tofu meatballs:

• Oil or cooking spray
• 7 ounces extra firm tofu (half of a 14 ounce package), drained
• 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup diced onion (about 1 small onion)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons unflavored soy or almond milk
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the noodles:

• 6 ounces dried udon noodles
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup gochujang*
• 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced

For serving:

• 3 scallions, chopped
• Toasted sesame seeds

instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly oil or spray a baking sheet.
2. Start by making the tofu meatballs. Place the tofu, panko breadcrumbs, walnuts, onion, garlic, ginger, milk, soy sauce, vinegar, liquid smoke, flaxseed, and black pepper into the bowl of a food processor fitted with an S-blade. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped and well-mixed, being careful not to overdo it.
3. Roll the mixture into 1 to 1 1/2 inch balls (you should get about 20) and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the balls with a thin coat of oil.
4. Place the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until lightly browned, turning the meatballs about halfway through baking.
5. While the meatballs bake, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. When the noodles are done cooking, drain them into a colander, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
6. Pour the reserved water into a medium bowl and whisk in the gochujang, maple syrup or agave, sesame oil, and garlic.
7. When the meatballs are done cooking, add them to the pot with the noodles, then pour the sauce over everything. Mix well until the noodles and meatballs are coated in the sauce.
8. Divide the noodles and meatballs onto plates and sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve.

notes:

* If you're not sure how much gochujang to use, start with less, then taste-test the sauce and add a tablespoon at a time. The dish will be on the spicy side even with lesser amounts. If you want a much milder version, you can cut the gochujang with some ketchup. Adapted from The New York Times Cooking.