Lee's Sesame Noodles
A zesty Asian-inspired noodle dish with sesame sauce, bok choy, and tofu, paying homage to the surname Lee's prominence in U.S. demographics. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 35 minutes pairs soba noodles, block (14 oz), cubed firm tofu, sliced bok choy for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 block (14 oz), cubed firm tofu
- 2 cups, sliced bok choy
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz soba noodles according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed tofu and sauté for 5 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pan, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and sauté 2 cups bok choy for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Step 4: Whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/2 tsp sesame seeds in a bowl. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to thin.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the pan, add cooked noodles, and pour in the sauce. Toss until well combined and glossy. Serve with extra sesame seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lee's Sesame Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Lee's Sesame Noodles?
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 Lee's Sesame Noodles?
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 Lee's Sesame Noodles for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
What goes well with Lee's Sesame Noodles?
Asian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
