Sesame Tofu, Green Bean and Noodle Bake

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the conventional oven to 200°C / 400°F with a rack in the middle. Cook the udon noodles according to the package directions, then drain. Drain the tofu, pat it dry and cut it into 2 cm cubes. Peel and finely chop the garlic.

2. 2

   In a deep 23 × 33 cm / 9 × 13 inch baking dish, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic and 120 ml cold water. Add the noodles, tofu and still-frozen green beans, turning gently to coat. Separate the noodles gently if they stick together.

3. 3

   Cover the dish tightly with foil or an oven-safe lid and bake for 20 minutes. Carefully uncover, keeping clear of the steam. Gently loosen the warmed noodles with two forks, then stir everything through the sauce.

4. 4

   Cover tightly again and bake for another 20 minutes at 200°C / 400°F, until the beans are tender and a food thermometer reads at least 74°C / 165°F in the center of the bake. If needed, continue baking covered in 5-minute increments until that temperature is reached. Stir in the sesame seeds, toss well to distribute the sauce and divide among four plates.