Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce

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

Tender rice noodles tossed with crispy tofu and a bold peanut sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and crushed peanuts for texture. This asian-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes blends rice noodles, firm tofu, pressed and cubed, vegetable oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until pliable; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy; remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 minced garlic cloves until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet and add the drained noodles, stir-frying for 2 minutes until heated through.
  5. Step 5: Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss well to coat evenly, cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and gently toss to combine and warm through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced green onions, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, and 1/4 cup crushed peanuts before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce?

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 Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce 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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