5-Minute Spicy Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fiery, aromatic bowl of rice noodles tossed in a creamy peanut sauce with crispy tofu and crisp vegetables for an addictive weeknight staple. This asian-inspired quick meals (vegan) ready in about 20 minutes pairs rice noodles, block (14 oz) extra firm tofu, peanut butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 1 block extra firm tofu (14 oz) for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Pat dry and season with 1/4 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides.
  3. Step 3: While tofu cooks, place 8 oz rice noodles in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over noodles, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  4. Step 4: Whisk 3 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1/2 tsp sugar, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Thinly slice 1 cup carrots and 1/2 cup snap peas. Heat 1 tsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir-fry vegetables for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender and bright green.
  6. Step 6: In a large bowl, combine drained noodles, vegetable stir-fry, and crispy tofu. Pour peanut sauce over top and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does 5-Minute Spicy Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover 5-Minute Spicy Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 5-Minute Spicy Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale 5-Minute Spicy Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is 5-Minute Spicy Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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