Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodles with Tofu and Scallions

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

Chilled soba noodles tossed in a savory sesame-ginger dressing with pan-fried tofu cubes and fresh scallions for a refreshing and protein-packed meal. This Japanese-inspired game-day recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs soba noodles, firm tofu, low-sodium soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook 8 oz soba noodles for 5-6 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled soba noodles with the sesame-ginger dressing and toss gently to coat.
  5. Step 5: Add the crispy tofu cubes to the noodles along with 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds, tossing lightly to distribute evenly.
  6. Step 6: Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing main dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodles with Tofu and Scallions 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 Noodles with Tofu and Scallions?

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 Noodles with Tofu and Scallions?

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 Noodles with Tofu and Scallions 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 Noodles with Tofu and Scallions 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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