Sesame Noodles with Tofu

Sesame Noodles with Tofu and fresh broccoli are coated in a savory peanut-sesame sauce with garlic and a hint of red pepper. Fantastic as warm meal or a cold pasta salad!

For more Asian-inspired quick meals, this Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Chicken Fried Rice, and Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry are absolute winners.

Soba Noodles with Tofu

Sesame Noodles with Tofu is a simple medley of crispy tofu, tender soba, and fresh broccoli. What makes it so addicting is the sauce— sesame oil, a dash of peanut butter, plus soy sauce and rice vinegar come together to season the soba and vegetables perfectly. A little garlic gives it an irresistible aroma finished with spicy pepper flakes and green onions.

There are also many ways to switch it up. Use beef or chicken, fresh shrimp, or throw in whatever leftover veggies you have on hand. It’s so easy to make, too, and the take-out flavors guarantee that it’s always a hit!

What are sesame noodles made of?

The basic elements of this dish are noodles (you have a lot of options like soba, ramen, and even linguine!), your choice of veggies and protein, plus an Asian-inspired sauce which combines aromatics, peanut butter, soy sauce, plus vinegar and soy sauce.

How many calories are in cold sesame noodles?

It will vary depending on what you put into it. For instance, beef naturally has more calories than tofu. Generally, our version will run you around 260 to 300 calories. Not bad, especially since the greasy take-out version can have as much as 682 calories per serving!

Are sesame noodles healthy?

It can be, but again, it depends on the ingredients. This recipe has lots of healthy and light protein (tofu) plus vegetables. It also has very little oil, so it’s a really healthy meal option.

What do you need to make Sesame Noodles with Tofu?

• Noodles: To give it that take-out authenticity, we’re using uncooked soba.

• Vegetables: We keep it basic with broccoli, but you can definitely add different kinds here.

• Tofu: The extra-firm variety, cut into cubes.

• Sauce: Our delicious sauce has equal parts vinegar, sesame oil plus seeds, and soy sauce. It also a little peanut butter, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Some red pepper flakes give it a nice kick.

How do you make Sesame Noodles with Tofu from scratch?

1. Boil. Once your water starts boiling, add the soba, followed by the broccoli until both are done to your preferences. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté. For your tofu, sauté the cubes until it’s crispy and brown.
3. Mix. Combine the peanut butter with the rest of your sauce.
4. Combine. Into the sauce, stir in the veggies, sofa, and tofu.
5. Serve. Enjoy warm or cold, with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds on top.

Recipe variations:

• Beef: Sauté some beef strips (quick-cooking cuts like flank or skirt) and add to the dish.

• Chicken: Slice some thigh or breast meat, brown, and toss with the soba.

• Pork: Use thinly-sliced pork instead of tofu, or in addition to it.

• Shrimp: Remove the shells, sauté until pink and done before adding to the dish.

• More veggies: Use whatever you have in your fridge! Add thinly-sliced carrots, bell peppers, cauliflower florets, mushrooms, snow peas, zucchini, and more.

• Soba substitute: Aside from soba, you can make this with ramen, udon, spaghetti, or linguine.

• Keto: Use shirataki noodles, and replace the soy sauce with liquid aminos. Use low-carb sweetener.

What do you serve with Sesame Noodles with Tofu?

Enjoy as is, or as a side to other Asian-inspired entrees. We like it with Low Carb Chinese Lemon Chicken, Low Carb Mongolian Beef, and Firecracker Chicken Breast. You can also serve it with a nice side salad or sauteed cabbage.

How to store leftovers:

After all the leftovers have cooled down, transfer to an air-tight container. Store chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until hot.

How to freeze:

Sure! After cooling the dish down, place in a Ziploc before pushing the air out and sealing it tightly. Freeze up to a month. To reheat, defrost overnight or on the counter, then microwave until hot.

Recipe tips:

• Microwave the peanut butter for a few seconds if it’s too thick to whisk.
• Use toasted sesame oil and toast the seeds for greater flavor.
• Don’t have soba? Use instant noodles as a cheap and convenient short cut!
• For the tofu, make sure to use the extra-firm kind. The soft, silky kind will integrate if you try to sauté it.
• Top with toasted, crushed peanuts for extra texture.

5 from 4 votes

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Sesame Noodles with Tofu

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

SesameNoodles with Tofu and fresh broccoli are coated in a savorypeanut-sesame sauce with garlic and a hint of red pepper.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: Sesame Noodles with Tofu

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 501 kcal

Author: Marionela Tiron

Ingredients

• 8 oz package uncooked soba noodles
• 1 head of broccoli cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 package extra firm tofu cut into cubes

SAUCE:

• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 4 garlic cloves minced

Garnish:

• 4 green onions chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add soba noodles and cook per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Place a large saute pan over medium heat, add olive oil, add tofu and saute on each side until browned and crispy.
3. Add the broccoli to the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
4. Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl and add to the pan. Stri and cook for 2 minutes. Add the noodles and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Nutrition Facts

Sesame Noodles with Tofu

Amount Per Serving

Calories 501 Calories from Fat 189

% Daily Value*

Fat 21g32%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Sodium 1250mg54%

Potassium 861mg25%

Carbohydrates 63g21%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 10g11%

Protein 23g46%

Vitamin A 985IU20%

Vitamin C 136mg165%

Calcium 139mg14%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.