Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetable Noodles with Peanut Sauce
Quick stir-fried rice noodles tossed with crispy tofu, colorful vegetables, and a rich peanut sauce for a satisfying vegan meal in under 30 minutes. This asian-inspired pasta (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes blends dried rice noodles, medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper, large, julienned carrot 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 480 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cubed into 1-inch pieces firm tofu
- 8 oz dried rice noodles
- 1 medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 large, julienned carrot
- 1 cup trimmed and halved green beans
- 3 sliced green onions
- 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 minced garlic clove
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup, for sauce thinning water
- 2 tbsp for garnish crushed peanuts
- 2 tbsp for garnish cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz dried rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and 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 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same wok, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 julienned large carrot, and 1 cup halved green beans. Stir-fry vegetables for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water until smooth.
- Step 6: Return tofu to the wok, add cooked noodles and pour the peanut sauce over everything. Toss quickly over medium heat for 2 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp crushed peanuts, 3 sliced green onions, and 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetable Noodles with Peanut Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Tofu and Vegetable Noodles with 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 Tofu and Vegetable Noodles with 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 Tofu and Vegetable Noodles with 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 Tofu and Vegetable Noodles with Peanut Sauce vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
