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Spicy Peanut Noodles and Tofu with glossy sauce, fresh herbs, and golden tofu cubes

Spicy Peanut Noodles and Tofu

Creamy, spicy peanut noodles tossed with crispy tofu and fresh vegetables for a quick, flavorful vegan meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish combines bold flavors with satisfying crunch in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz extra firm tofu drained and pressed, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 oz rice noodles or udon noodles
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1-2 tsp sriracha or chili sauce adjust to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1- inch piece fresh ginger minced
  • 2 medium carrots julienned
  • 1/2 cucumber thinly sliced

Method
 

  1. Press the tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for 10 minutes to remove excess water. Cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch for crispiness.
  2. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 5-7 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of noodle cooking water, then drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Fry the tofu cubes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Whisk together peanut butter, remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha, and 1/4 cup reserved noodle water in a bowl to make the sauce. Pour into the skillet and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring until smooth. Add more noodle water if too thick.
  6. Add the cooked noodles, crispy tofu, julienned carrots, and sliced cucumber to the skillet. Toss everything together over low heat for 2 minutes until well coated and heated through.
  7. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, bake the tofu at 400°F for 20 minutes instead of frying. Adjust spice level by adding more sriracha or fresh chili. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.