Miso-Ginger Sesame Noodles with Crispy Tofu

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

Tangy miso-sesame noodles tossed with crispy pan-fried tofu and crunchy vegetables for an Asian-inspired weeknight meal. This asian (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs soba noodles, firm tofu, soy sauce 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press tofu between paper towels for 10 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and pan-fry tofu until golden and crispy on all sides, about 8 minutes total.
  2. Step 2: While tofu cooks, prepare sauce: whisk soy sauce, miso paste, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Cook soba noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with 1 tbsp sesame oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Stir-fry shredded carrot and bok choy in remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Add drained noodles and sauce, tossing vigorously until coated. Serve topped with crispy tofu and sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Ginger Sesame Noodles with Crispy Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Miso-Ginger Sesame 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 soba noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Ginger Sesame 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 Miso-Ginger Sesame 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 Miso-Ginger Sesame Noodles with Crispy Tofu gluten-free?

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

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