Tofu Dan Dan-style Noodles

Cook the spaghetti

• Bring a saucepan of water to the boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain, reserving a cup of the pasta cooking water.

Make the sauce

• Finely chop the garlic cloves.
• Meanwhile, heat a dash of vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan over a high heat and fry the garlic and Chinese 5 spice for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the chilli oil, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, tahini, sugar and a pinch of salt and white pepper, and simmer for a couple of minutes.

Cook the tofu

• Crumble the tofu into the pan and break it up further with a wooden spoon. Add a ladle of pasta water and simmer for 3–5 minutes, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Add the spaghetti

• Add the hot spaghetti and toss through the sauce until the spaghetti is fully coated.

Garnish & Plate Up

• Slice the spring onions, then garnish the dish with them and the peanuts. Plate up and enjoy.