Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Noodles with Tofu

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring silky noodles, crispy tofu, and a spicy garlic sauce. This asian-inspired game day (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs rice noodles, firm tofu, cubed, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in hot water for 8 minutes until softened but still firm; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides; remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pan, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained noodles, 3 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Toss to combine and coat the noodles evenly with sauce.
  5. Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the wok and add 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 1/2 cup shredded carrots. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until heated through and vegetables are slightly tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately for a spicy, satisfying noodle dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Noodles 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 Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Noodles 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 rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Noodles 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 Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Noodles with Tofu for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Noodles with Tofu 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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