Vietnamese-Style Bean-Thread Noodles

Immerse the bundle of noodles in cold water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, remove from the heat, cover, and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes, or until al dente, then drain.

When cool enough to handle, place on a cutting board and cut in several directions to create shorter lengths. In the meantime, heat the oil in a stir-fry pan or wok.

Add the onion and stir-fry over medium heat until translucent. Turn up the heat, add the garlic and cabbage and stir-fry until the cabbage is tender-crisp and lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and sprouts and continue to fry, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes are soft and the sprouts tender-crisp, another 5 to 7 minutes.

Stir in the vinegar, tofu, and red pepper flakes, and cellophane noodles. Cook, stirring, until everything is well heated through.

Serve at once, garnishing each serving with chopped peanuts and the optional basil.