Stir-Fried Sesame Ginger Noodles with Tofu

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

Tender noodles tossed with crispy tofu, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sesame ginger sauce for a satisfying vegetarian stir fry. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs rice noodles, block firm tofu, sesame 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 8 oz rice noodles, cooking for 5 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Press and drain 14 oz block of firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry tofu cubes for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 julienned carrot and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, stirring and cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet along with drained noodles and 3 sliced green onions; toss everything together over medium heat for 2 minutes until noodles are coated and heated through.
  7. Step 7: Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil on top and sprinkle with 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Sesame Ginger 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 Stir-Fried Sesame Ginger 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 Stir-Fried Sesame Ginger 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 Stir-Fried Sesame Ginger Noodles 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.

Is Stir-Fried Sesame Ginger 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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