Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Tofu and Garlic Soy Sauce

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

Wide rice noodles stir-fried with crispy tofu and a savory garlic soy sauce for a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal. This asian fusion-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends wide rice noodles, extra 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 380 calories and feeds 3, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz wide rice noodles according to package instructions until just tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra firm tofu and fry for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet along with the cooked noodles. Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Toss everything together and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until noodles are coated and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges to squeeze over for brightness.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Tofu and Garlic Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Tofu and Garlic Soy 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 Tofu and Garlic Soy 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 Tofu and Garlic Soy Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Tofu and Garlic Soy 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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