Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry with Udon Noodles

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

Tofu and vegetables stir-fried in a savory-sweet sesame-ginger sauce, served over hearty udon noodles. This asian-inspired one pot (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs firm tofu, udon noodles, broccoli for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy on all sides; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Cook 8 oz udon noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water. Steam 2 cups broccoli florets and 1 cup sliced carrots for 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. In the same skillet, add sauce and vegetables; cook 2 minutes until heated through. Stir in cooked udon noodles and tofu, tossing to coat evenly for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry with Udon Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Udon 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 Udon 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 Udon 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 Stir-Fry with Udon 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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