Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables
A vibrant 20-minute stir-fry combining firm tofu, fresh vegetables, and noodles tossed in a balanced sweet and spicy sauce for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs rice noodles, firm tofu, pressed and cubed, large carrot, julienned 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 rice noodles
- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz rice noodles according to package instructions until just tender, 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 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden on all sides.
- Step 3: Add 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 large julienned carrot, and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper to the tofu. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Pour this sauce over the tofu and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Add the drained rice noodles and 3 sliced green onions to the wok. Toss gently for 2 minutes until noodles are heated through and the sauce evenly coats all ingredients. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables 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 Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables?
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 rice noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables?
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 Stir-Fried Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables 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 Stir-Fried Noodles with Tofu and Vegetables 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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