One-Pot Spicy Peanut Noodles with Tofu

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

A quick and flavorful one-pot noodle dish featuring spicy peanut sauce and crispy tofu cubes for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This asian fusion-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs rice noodles, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 3 cups vegetable broth. Whisk to combine and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 8 oz rice noodles to the simmering sauce, pressing them down gently to submerge. Cook uncovered for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently with the noodles to coat well.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions, 1/4 cup crushed peanuts, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spicy Peanut Noodles with Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 One-Pot Spicy Peanut Noodles with 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 rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Peanut Noodles with 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 One-Pot Spicy Peanut Noodles with Tofu 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 One-Pot Spicy Peanut Noodles with Tofu 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.

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