Stir-Fried Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms
Earthy shiitake mushrooms and crispy tofu tossed with buckwheat soba noodles in a spicy, savory sauce for a satisfying vegetarian stir-fry. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs soba noodles, sliced shiitake mushrooms, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 soba noodles
- 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes firm tofu
- 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3, sliced thin green onions
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cups water
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz soba noodles and cook for 5 minutes until just tender; drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy; remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same wok, add 2 tbsp sesame oil, then 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until mushrooms are tender and fragrant.
- Step 4: Lower heat to medium, add cooked soba noodles, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, and 1 tsp brown sugar to the wok. Toss everything together for 2 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
- Step 5: Return crispy tofu to the wok, gently folding it in with 3 sliced green onions. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Step 6: Serve garnished with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Stir-Fried Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms?
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 soba noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms?
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 Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms 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 Stir-Fried Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms?
Asian vegetarian 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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