Chilli oil beef – or smoked tofu – noodles

Rich, spicy, nutty, savoury – relieved by the fresh salad veg on top. The essential bit is the chilli oil

• 3 tbsp chilli oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 400g minced beef/crumbled smoked tofu
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 2 heaped tbsp smooth peanut butter
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 200g cooked udon noodles
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• Coriander leaves, diced cucumber, sliced radishes, avocado, lime

1. Heat chilli oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium heat
2. Fry the minced garlic and sesame seeds
3. When golden, add the minced beef/crumbled tofu and stir into the spicy garlicky oil
4. In a bowl, stir together the soy sauce, mirin, peanut butter, sesame oil and sugar
5. Add this to the beef/tofu, rinsing out the bowl with some water and adding that too
6. Add the udon noodles and spring onions, stir together gently while it bubbles and the noodles soften
7. Serve immediately, topped with coriander, cucumber, radish and avocado – and a squeeze of lime over the top