Really Good Ramen & Tofu Stir-Fry

During our last trip to New York, some friends of ours were kind enough to introduce us to Mitsuwa Market, a humongous asian market "chain" (more like a smattering, as D puts it).

We picked up some pretty great things, but nothing compared to what we couldn't pick up(including sushi-grade fish!).

Armed with all these awesome goodies, we managed to make two really simple recipes that are worth trying:

Really Good Ramen
* 1 packet of Ramen (We got a good brand at Mitsuwa -- we know it's good because it came with the little oil packet as well as the dry seasoning packet -- but since the name is in Japanese I can't tell you what it is. Just pick your favorite.)
* 1/4 bag of mixed frozen vegetables, steamed or sauteed til soft. (Again, we got a Mitsuwa bag of frozen veggies, which included carrot, lotus root, shiitake mushroom, Japanese potatoes, and other things I couldn't identify. I think bamboo shoot, too.)
* 1 fried egg (We did over easy.)
* 1/2 tube of kamaboko (fish cake)
* 1/4 packet dried namafu (wheat gluten cake) (You must soak these guys in warm water for about 5 - 10 minutes before using them.)

1. Prepare Ramen noodles as usual.
2. When Ramen noodles are soft, turn down heat, add vegetables, then packets of oil & seasoning.(2b. At this point is when I would start frying the eggs.)
3. Turn off heat. Add egg, kamaboko, and namafu. Break the egg yolk and stir.
4. Let sit for about five as the flavors meld.

Serves 1.

The only way this would've been better is if it had roast pork and Chinese broccoli. But it was still super good.

The second recipe... well, it's kind of silly to even put on here, it's that easy. Sometimes it's nice to make a good healthy meal without having to try so hard.

Tofu Stir-Fry
* 1 pack of firm tofu.
* 1 bag of frozen vegetables, thawed (We went for the "Oriental Mix" -- broccoli, green beans, onion, water chestnut, etc. -- that's available from Shop Rite.)
* A little bit of olive oil.
* 2 cups of steamed white rice.
* JES brand Yakitori Sauce (to taste).

1. Drain the tofu, cut into cubes.
2. Heat a little bit of oil in your wok (or large pan). Add the tofu and cook for about 5 - 10 minutes. I would say "until browned" but that doesn't really happen.
3. Add thawed vegetables. Cook until all the water has evaported, about 10 more minutes.
4. Lower heat, add Yakitori Sauce, stir.
5. Turn off heat, serve over a bed of rice.
6. Severly enjoy this meal, along with your favorite Cuban soda.

Serves 2.