Crispy Sesame Tofu Noodles for a Quick Dinner

Crispy tofu noodles are a practical weeknight dinner when you want a warm, filling bowl without a long simmer. Brown the tofu first, stir together a quick sesame-peanut sauce, then toss everything with noodles and crunchy cabbage. This recipe serves four and takes about 35 minutes.

Serves: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 ounces firm tofu, patted dry and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 8 ounces dried wheat or rice noodles
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil
• 3 cups finely sliced cabbage
• 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons warm water, plus more as needed
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and 2 sliced scallions, to finish

Method

1. Cook the noodles according to their package directions. Before draining, save 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
2. Whisk the soy sauce, peanut butter, vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and warm water until smooth. Add another spoonful of water if the sauce is too thick to pour.
3. Heat the neutral oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu in one layer and let it brown on a few sides, turning occasionally, for about 8 minutes. Transfer it to a plate.
4. Add the cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until just tender but still bright.
5. Return the tofu to the pan with the noodles and sauce. Toss over low heat, adding reserved noodle water a little at a time until everything is lightly coated.
6. Divide among bowls and finish with sesame seeds and scallions.

Variations

Swap the cabbage for thinly sliced bell pepper or snap peas. For a peanut-free sauce, use sunflower seed butter and check that the other ingredients suit your household. Add chili crisp at the table so each person can choose their own heat.

Storage and reheating

Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator and loosen them with a splash of water when reheating. For more flexible dinner ideas, see the quick weeknight meal rotation and meal planning with a short shopping list. Add this recipe to the Lucru Home meal planner when it earns a place in your rotation.