Quick Sesame-Garlic Noodles with Tofu and Broccoli

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fast and flavorful stir fry combining tender noodles, crisp broccoli, and pan-seared tofu coated in a savory sesame-garlic sauce. This asian fusion-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs dried spaghetti noodles, broccoli florets, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz dried spaghetti noodles and cook for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: While noodles cook, heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil and 3 cups broccoli florets. Sauté for 4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cloves minced garlic to the broccoli and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu and drained noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with sauce for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Sesame-Garlic Noodles with Tofu and Broccoli take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Quick Sesame-Garlic Noodles with Tofu and Broccoli?

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 spaghetti noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Sesame-Garlic Noodles with Tofu and Broccoli?

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 Quick Sesame-Garlic Noodles with Tofu and Broccoli 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 Quick Sesame-Garlic Noodles with Tofu and Broccoli 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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