bohemianwanderer – Discovered Thai-style tossed noodles (guay tiew klook) trending on social platforms. They combine mince, garlic oil, and a tangy-sweet-hot sauce. Intrigued, I swapped the mince for tempeh and added walnuts. The result balances texture, flavor, and plant-based protein. With simple ingredients, the dish satisfies both cravings and curiosity.
Ingredients and Prep Made Simple
You’ll need tempeh, walnuts, rice noodles, and pantry staples like garlic oil, soy sauce, black vinegar, vegan fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and Laoganma chili oil. Add spring onions, beansprouts, coriander, and rapeseed oil. Use a food processor to blend tempeh and walnuts into pea-sized crumbs. Prep time takes about 10 minutes, while cooking will take roughly 30. This recipe balances convenience and nutrition, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Most ingredients are shelf-stable or easy to find in Asian grocery stores. If desired, you can customize with tofu, different noodles, or additional vegetables to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Cooking Step by Step
First, cook noodles per packet instructions, rinse, toss in a tablespoon of oil, and set aside. Next, stir-fry beansprouts with a little water for two minutes, then drain. Heat oil in a pan, fry garlic until crisp, set aside, and mix it with sauces and lime juice. This dressing brings sweet, salty, sour, and umami tones. The combination of garlic oil and seasonings adds depth and aroma to the dish. Meanwhile, the crispy garlic enhances texture. For extra flavor, you can adjust the spice level with more chili oil. Preparing each component separately ensures balanced taste and helps the final toss come together effortlessly.
Building Flavors With Tempeh and Walnuts
In the same pan, cook oil with spring onion whites, then add the tempeh-walnut mix. Fry for about 10 minutes until golden and crumbly. This step deepens flavor and adds texture. Combine the noodles, tempeh-walnut stir-fry, beansprouts, raw green onions, chili sediment, and coriander in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss until evenly coated. The final mix offers a balance of freshness, heat, and crunch. Each bite delivers the richness of toasted tempeh, the brightness of lime, and the punch of garlic. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. This dish makes a vibrant, plant-based main ideal for casual dinners or meal prep.
Final Serving and Flavor Experience
Serve immediately to enjoy warm, savory noodles with crunchy walnuts and bright coriander. The garlic, chili, and vinegary sauce deliver bold Thai-inspired flavors. This plant-based twist offers satisfying protein, fresh textures, and vibrant taste. Perfect for dinner or a flavorful lunch, this recipe proves simple swaps can create memorable meals. Additionally, it’s easy to customize with extra veggies or your favorite chili for added heat. The balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy notes makes it a crowd-pleaser. Leftovers reheat well, making it a convenient option for busy days. This dish showcases how traditional flavors adapt beautifully to vegan cooking.
