Sesame Noodles With Crispy Tofu

Step 1

Toss cucumbers and a few pinches of salt in a colander. Let sit until salt begins to draw out water from cucumbers, about 5 minutes. Massage cucumbers, gently at first to keep them from breaking, then more vigorously as they start to expel water. Drain and squeeze out excess liquid again. Transfer cucumbers to a small bowl. Add ginger and 1 Tbsp. vinegar and toss to combine. Chill until ready to use.

Step 2

Whisk chile, soy sauce, honey, and 3 Tbsp. vinegar in a medium bowl.

Step 3

Cut tofu into 9 square-ish pieces by cutting the block into thirds, then cutting each third crosswise into 3 pieces. Pat dry.

Step 4

Heat oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Cook tofu, undisturbed, until very crisp and dark brown underneath, 4–5 minutes. Transfer tofu to a plate; wipe out skillet. Heat skillet over medium-high. Return tofu to skillet and add soy sauce mixture (reserve medium bowl; you’ll use it again). Cook, turning tofu occasionally and reducing heat to medium if needed, until glaze is almost thick enough to coat a spoon, about 4 minutes.

Step 5

Meanwhile, cook soba noodles according to package directions; drain. Do not rinse noodles, even if the instructions tell you to—you want them to stay warm.

Step 6

Transfer tofu to a plate, leaving sauce in pan. Pour sauce into reserved medium bowl. Whisk in tahini and remaining 1 Tbsp. vinegar. Add noodles and toss until coated with sauce.

Step 7

Divide noodles among bowls. Top with tofu, pickled cucumbers, and scallions.