Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad with Tofu

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

A light and refreshing soba noodle salad tossed with marinated tofu, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. This Japanese-inspired Super Bowl recipe (vegetarian, vegan), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs soba noodles, extra firm tofu, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz soba noodles in boiling salted water for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp honey to make the dressing.
  3. Step 3: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu in half of the dressing and let marinate for 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and sauté the marinated tofu cubes for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy.
  5. Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked soba noodles, sautéed tofu, 1 cup shredded carrot, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped scallions. Pour remaining dressing over and toss gently.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad with Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad 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 soba noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad 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 Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad 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 Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad with Tofu vegetarian?

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

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