Lee's Sesame Noodles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A zesty noodle dish with a savory sesame sauce, tender bok choy, and tofu — a quick weeknight staple. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 35 minutes pairs soba noodles, firm tofu, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz soba noodles according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: In the same pan, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and sauté 2 cups bok choy for 3-4 minutes until tender.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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.

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