Sesame-Ginger Tofu Noodles

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

Quick-cooking noodles with tender tofu and a savory-sweet sauce, featuring fresh ginger and toasted sesame seeds. This asian-inspired quick meals (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs rice noodles, firm tofu, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 2 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu and cook for 5 minutes until golden on all sides, flipping once.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger in a small bowl. Pour sauce over tofu in the skillet and simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats tofu.
  4. Step 4: Add drained rice noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Ginger Tofu Noodles 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 Sesame-Ginger Tofu Noodles?

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 Sesame-Ginger Tofu Noodles?

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 Tofu Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Tofu Noodles vegan?

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

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