Miso-Ginger Udon with Crispy Tofu and Bok Choy
A vibrant, umami-packed Asian noodle bowl featuring silky udon, savory miso broth, and perfectly crisped tofu, ready in under 30 minutes. This japanese-inspired asian (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs dried udon noodles, firm tofu, bunch bok choy for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 dried udon noodles
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 1 bunch bok choy
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Press tofu between paper towels for 10 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook tofu cubes until golden and crispy on all sides, about 8 minutes, flipping once.
- Step 2: While tofu cooks, trim bok choy stems and thinly slice leaves. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 oz dried udon noodles, and cook for 6-7 minutes until tender. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves until smooth. Heat 1 tsp toasted sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add the miso mixture, and simmer for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add drained udon noodles to the miso sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in sliced bok choy stems and cook for 2 minutes until slightly tender. Add bok choy leaves and cook for 1 more minute until wilted. Divide into bowls, top with crispy tofu, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Miso-Ginger Udon with Crispy Tofu and Bok Choy take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 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 Udon with Crispy Tofu and Bok Choy?
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 dried udon noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Ginger Udon with Crispy Tofu and Bok Choy?
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 Udon with Crispy Tofu and Bok Choy 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.
Is Miso-Ginger Udon with Crispy Tofu and Bok Choy vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Asian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.