Thai Noodle Salad with Sautéed Tofu

Ingredients

• 1 cup carrots shredded
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (such as Lee Kum Kee)
• 3 tablespoons sriracha (such as Lee Kum Kee)
• 0.3 teaspoon pepper red crushed
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper red crushed
• 0.5 cup cilantro leaves fresh chopped
• 2 teaspoons ginger fresh grated peeled
• 2  garlic cloves minced
• 0.3 cup juice of lime fresh
• 2 tablespoons juice of lime fresh
• 1 tablespoon soya sauce low-sodium
• 2 tablespoons soya sauce low-sodium
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; peanut oil preferred 
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; peanut oil preferred 
• 0.8 pound vermicelli uncooked
• 2 cups romaine lettuce thinly sliced
• 0.3 teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon sugar 
• 2 teaspoons sugar 
• 1 tablespoon thai fish sauce (such as Three Crabs)
• 0.8 pound water-packed tofu firm drained

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• paper towels
• whisk
• ziploc bags

Directions

1. To prepare tofu, cut tofu into 3/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange tofu slices in a single layer on several layers of paper towels. Top with several more layers of paper towels; top with a cast-iron skillet or other heavy pan.
2. Let stand 30 minutes.
3. Remove tofu from paper towels; cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
4. Combine tofu, 2 tablespoons juice, and next 6 ingredients (through garlic) in a zip-top plastic bag. Seal and marinate at room temperature 2 hours, turning bag occasionally.
5. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan, swirling to coat; heat 30 seconds.
7. Remove tofu from bag; discard marinade.
8. Add tofu to pan; saut 5 minutes or until crisp, carefully turning to brown all sides.
9. Remove from heat.
10. To prepare noodles, while tofu marinates, place vermicelli in a large bowl. Cover with boiling water.
11. Let stand 20 minutes or until tender.
12. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain well. Set noodles aside.
13. To prepare dressing, combine 1/4 cup juice and next 8 ingredients (through 1/4 teaspoon red pepper), stirring with a whisk.
14. Combine vermicelli, lettuce, and remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
15. Add dressing; toss well to combine. Top with tofu.