Arishta with Tofu, Soy Sauce & Preserved Lemons

Arishta is a traditional Armenian noodle made from coarse wheat flour. Its name literally means “ribbon” in Armenian. While it’s often used in classic Armenian dishes, I absolutely love pairing it with bold Asian flavors. The chewy noodles soak up the savory soy sauce beautifully, while crispy tofu, chili, sesame, and preserved lemons create an incredibly flavorful dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 250 g arishta noodles
• 250 g firm tofu, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 1 tsp chili flakes (or to taste)
• ½ tsp MSG (optional)
• 2 preserved lemon wedges, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the arishta according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain, reserving a few tablespoons of the cooking water.
2. Meanwhile, pat the tofu dry. Heat the neutral oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat and fry the tofu until golden and crispy on all sides.
3. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, chili flakes, and MSG. Stir well until the tofu is evenly coated.
4. Add the cooked arishta to the pan along with a splash of the reserved cooking water. Toss everything together until the noodles are glossy and coated with the sauce.
5. Transfer to serving bowls and top with chopped preserved lemons, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.

Tips

• Preserved lemons add a unique salty-citrusy flavor that perfectly balances the rich soy sauce.
• If you can’t find preserved lemons, finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• For extra vegetables, add mushrooms, spinach, or pak choi.
• A drizzle of chili oil on top makes it even better if you like extra heat.

Simple, comforting, and packed with umami, this fusion take on Armenian arishta might become your new favorite noodle dish.