Mango-Cabbage Noodles with Tofu

I took this dish from a really tasty Mango Coleslaw recipe that makes a great side at any summer grill out. Sliced mangoes, carrots and onion are mixed with fresh basil, mint and cilantro and tossed with a tangy Asian vinaigrette; diced jalapeno adds some spice to the mix. Because this slaw is vinaigrette based rather than mayonnaise based, it fares on the lighter side.

I was craving the dish for dinner but knew it wouldn't fill me up, so I pan-seared some tofu in soy sauce, cut up a head of Chinese cabbage, tossed in some whole-wheat linguine, added a few crushed honey-roasted peanuts and voilà!  Mango-Cabbage Noodles with Tofu was born, a tangy Asian noodle bowl of pure deliciousness. I'll list both recipes below so you can choose to make this dish as a side or a main. Enjoy!

Mango Coleslaw
Ingredients:
2 large mangoes, shredded

1 large carrot, shredded

1 small red onion or 3 scallions, thinly sliced

2 tbsp each chopped minced basil and mint

3 tbsp chopped cilantro

1 tsp crushed garlic

¼ cup lime juice

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp minced Serrano pepper

2 tbsp fish sauce

Directions:
Mix first 5 ingredients together in a large bowl, and remaining 5 ingredients together in a small bowl for vinaigrette. Add the vinaigrette to the large bowl and stir together.

Mango-Cabbage Noodles with Tofu
Ingredients: 
Mango Coleslaw recipe (I would halve the veggies but keep the same amount of sauce, as you are adding more ingredients to the mix)
1 block firm tofu
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 cups loosely packed Chinese cabbage
1 cup whole wheat thin linguine
3 tbsp honey-roasted peanuts, crushed

Directions:
To Cook Tofu:
Drain tofu by placing a double layer of paper towel around the block to press out excess water. Cut the tofu into bite sized squares. Heat 1 tbsp oil or spray a thin layer of olive oil spritzer in a pan on medium heat.  Make sure the tofu are arranged in a single layer with some room in between, and cook covered for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden. Add the soy sauce and flip, cooking on the other side for 3-4 minutes.
To Assemble Noodle Bowl:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Combine Mango Coleslaw, Cabbage, Tofu, and Noodles in a large mixing bowl; sprinkle with honey-roasted peanuts for garnish.  For optimal noodle slurping, eat with chopsticks.