Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame Tofu

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chewy udon noodles stir-fried with crispy tofu, fresh ginger, and a nutty sesame sauce for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This japanese-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh or frozen udon noodles, finely grated ginger root, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 3, 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 3 Japanese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz udon noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz diced firm tofu and cook, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp finely grated ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add cooked udon noodles to the skillet along with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat noodles evenly and heat through for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and gently toss to combine with noodles.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with 3 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, then serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame 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 Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame 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 fresh or frozen udon noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame 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 Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame Tofu 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 Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame 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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