Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Spicy Sesame Tofu

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

Thick udon noodles stir-fried with crispy tofu cubes and a spicy sesame sauce, finished with scallions and toasted sesame seeds for a flavorful vegetarian meal. This korean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fresh or frozen udon noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Korean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz udon noodles according to package instructions until tender, drain, and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp gochujang, and 1 tbsp honey until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 7 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crisp.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger to the pan with tofu, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add cooked udon noodles and the prepared sauce to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly and heat through, about 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Spicy Sesame Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy Sesame Tofu for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spicy 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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