Sweet and Spicy Soba Noodles with Sesame Tofu
Quick-cooked soba noodles tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce served with crispy pan-fried tofu and toasted sesame seeds. This asian-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs soba noodles, pressed and cubed extra firm tofu, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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, pressed and cubed extra firm tofu
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 3, sliced thin green onions
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 oz soba noodles and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Step 2: While noodles cook, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sriracha sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger until smooth.
- Step 4: Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in the sauce mixture. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.
- Step 5: Add the drained soba noodles, crispy tofu, and 3 sliced green onions to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet and Spicy Soba Noodles with 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 Sweet and Spicy Soba Noodles with 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 soba noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet and Spicy Soba Noodles with 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 Sweet and Spicy Soba Noodles with Sesame 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 Sweet and Spicy Soba Noodles with 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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