Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Rice Noodles

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

A vibrant, protein-rich stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and crisp-tender snap peas in a tangy-sweet sesame-ginger sauce, served over silky rice noodles for a restaurant-worthy weeknight meal. This asian-inspired pasta (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, rice noodles, snap peas 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 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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz dry rice noodles in hot water for 8 minutes until pliable but still firm. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed tofu and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp minced ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1 cup thinly sliced carrots and 2 cups trimmed snap peas. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until vegetables are bright and crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey. Pour into skillet and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
  5. Step 5: Add drained rice noodles and cooked tofu to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until noodles are heated through and sauce clings to everything. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Rice Noodles 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Rice 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Rice 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 Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Rice Noodles 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Rice Noodles vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, 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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