Sesame Noodle Salad with Tofu Recipe

Name: Sesame Noodle Salad with Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces dried soba or udon noodles; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 8 ounces extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons finely chopped peeled fresh ginger; 2 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, plus more as needed; 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 medium scallions, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only); 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon); 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into thin strips; 1/2 medium English cucumber, halved lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices

Servings: persons

8 ounces dried soba or udon noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 ounces extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
2 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, plus more as needed
2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 medium scallions, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon)
1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into thin strips
1/2 medium English cucumber, halved lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices

1
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat.
2
Add the noodles, stir to combine, and cook according to the package directions.
3
Drain, rinse under cold water until the noodles are cool, and drain again; set aside.
4
Heat the oil in a medium frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5
Add the tofu and sear without moving until golden brown, about 4 minutes.
6
Flip the tofu cubes and sear until the other side is golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.
7
Using a slotted spoon, remove the tofu to a large paper-towel-lined plate and season with salt and pepper.
8
Reduce the heat to low and add the ginger, measured sesame oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pan.
9
Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds.
10
Remove the pan from the heat, add the soy sauce and sugar, and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
11
Scrape the ginger mixture into a large heatproof bowl with a rubber spatula.
12
Add the scallions and lemon juice and stir to combine.
13
Add the reserved noodles, reserved tofu, bell pepper, and cucumber and toss to combine.
14
Taste and season with more sesame oil as needed.

417

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 ounces dried soba or udon noodles, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 8 ounces extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, Kosher salt, and more.

Yes, Sesame Noodle Salad with Tofu Recipe falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!