Ginger-Sesame Soba Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Scallions
A flavorful Asian-inspired noodle bowl featuring nutty soba noodles, crispy pan-fried tofu, and a zesty ginger-sesame dressing. This asian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs soba noodles, block extra-firm tofu, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz soba noodles
- 14 oz block extra-firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 4 sliced thinly scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 oz soba noodles and cook for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and set aside.
- Step 2: Drain 14 oz extra-firm tofu and press gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and toss with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp sesame oil to make the dressing.
- Step 5: In the same skillet, add soba noodles, crispy tofu, and dressing. Toss gently over medium heat for 2 minutes until noodles are warm and coated.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 4 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger-Sesame Soba Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Ginger-Sesame Soba Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Scallions?
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 soba noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Sesame Soba Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Scallions?
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 Ginger-Sesame Soba Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Scallions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Ginger-Sesame Soba Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Scallions vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
