Stir-Fried Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Garlic Soy Sauce

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-29 · Updated 2026-04-29

A savory and satisfying Asian-inspired noodle dish featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in a fragrant garlic soy sauce. This asian-inspired st. patrick’s day (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs rice noodles, firm tofu, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 14 oz firm tofu
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 stalks, sliced green onions
• 1 medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper
• 1 large, julienned carrot
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry tofu cubes for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides; remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 julienned large carrot, stir-frying for 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Step 5: Stir in the drained noodles, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup water; toss to combine and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles.
6. Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet, drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil over everything, and toss gently for 1 minute.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with 3 sliced green onions, and serve immediately.