Spicy Sesame-Soy Noodle Stir Fry with Tofu

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

Quick and vibrant noodle stir fry tossed with crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and a bold sesame-soy sauce. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz dry spaghetti noodles in boiling salted water for 8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: While noodles cook, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu and sauté for 6-7 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy; remove tofu from skillet.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 large julienned carrot, 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1 cup trimmed snow peas; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and pour in a sauce made from 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; toss everything together with the cooked noodles.
  6. Step 6: Stir-fry for 2 more minutes until noodles are heated through and sauce coats all ingredients.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Sesame-Soy Noodle Stir Fry with Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Spicy Sesame-Soy Noodle Stir Fry 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Sesame-Soy Noodle Stir Fry 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 Sesame-Soy Noodle Stir Fry with Tofu 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.

What goes well with Spicy Sesame-Soy Noodle Stir Fry with Tofu?

Asian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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