Crispy Garlic Tofu Noodles

Tofu

1. 01

   Wrap tofu in a clean towel and press firmly for at least 10 minutes. The drier it is, the better the crust. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and toss in cornstarch until fully coated.
   
2. 02

   Heat 1 inch of oil in a wok or deep skillet. Fry tofu in batches 3-4 minutes until a pale golden crust forms. Remove and drain. This cooks the inside through.
3. 03

   Rest the tofu for 5 minutes then return tofu to the oil and fry 2-3 minutes until deeply golden and the crust is hard and blistered. Remove and drain.
   

Garlic Chips

1. 04

   In a small pan, heat a thin layer of oil over medium-low. Add thinly sliced garlic and cook slowly, stirring often, until golden and crispy, 3-4 minutes. Remove immediately onto paper towel. They darken fast.
   

Sauce

1. 05

   Add a splash of oil to the pan and add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, sugar, rice vinegar, and stock. Stir and bring to a simmer.
   

Noodles

1. 06

   Add the ramen noodles directly into the pan and reduce until the ramen is fully cooked and the sauce is sticky and glossy.
   

Plate

1. 07

   Mound noodles in a bowl. Pile tofu on top. Cascade garlic chips over everything. Finish with scallions, sesame seeds, and a generous chili oil drizzle.