One-Pot Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles with Tofu

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

Creamy peanut sauce noodles with firm tofu and crisp vegetables, all cooked together in one pot for a quick and satisfying Thai-inspired meal. This thai-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs rice noodles, smooth peanut butter, 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 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, add 3 tbsp vegetable oil. Once hot, add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Slowly whisk in 4 cups vegetable broth until the sauce is smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add 8 oz rice noodles and 1 cup shredded carrots to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the pot and gently fold to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
  6. Step 6: Serve noodles topped with 3 sliced green onions, 1/4 cup crushed peanuts, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles with 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 One-Pot Spicy Thai 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 Thai 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 Thai 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 Thai 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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