Name: Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon avocado oil; 1 block (350g) extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes; Salt, to taste (optional); Pepper, to taste (optional); 3 packs (210g) ramen noodles; 3 tablespoons peanuts, crushed; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1/2 cup green onions (scallions), thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons tahini; 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1-2 teaspoons sriracha

There’s something so comforting about the nutty aroma and the satisfying crunch in this Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe. It blends simple ingredients into a bowl of flavor-packed goodness that feels just right on any night of the week.

A round brown bowl filled with light brown noodles forms the base layer, topped with medium-sized golden-brown tofu cubes scattered across. Bright green sliced scallions are placed on top along with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and sesame seeds. A silver fork rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl containing crushed nuts partially visible on the upper left and a crumpled light gray cloth on the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this recipe because it’s one of those happy accidents I stumbled on after experimenting with tofu and ramen noodles in my own kitchen. The balance between the crispy tofu and creamy sesame sauce always wins me over, and I know you’ll appreciate it too.

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
Crispy, Not Soggy: The tofu gets beautifully crispy thanks to a little pressing and careful pan-frying.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: A rich blend of tahini, peanut butter, and sriracha makes every bite exciting.
Customizable Garnishes: Add peanuts, sesame seeds, and green onions to personalize texture and taste effortlessly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe is in how the ingredients complement each other — rich and nutty tahini blends with sweet maple syrup and a touch of spice, while crispy tofu adds protein and texture. Shopping for fresh green onions and good-quality ramen makes a noticeable difference, so keep an eye out.

Flat lay of a block of extra-firm tofu cut into cubes, three bundles of fresh ramen noodles, a small white bowl of light avocado oil, a small white bowl of crushed peanuts, a small white bowl of sesame seeds, a small white bowl with smooth tahini, a small white bowl with creamy natural peanut butter, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl of rice vinegar, a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, two whole garlic cloves, a piece of fresh ginger root with grated texture shown, a few thinly sliced green onions scattered neatly, and one small white bowl containing bright red sriracha sauce, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Avocado oil: It has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, perfect for getting that tofu crispy without burning.
Extra-firm tofu: Press it well to get the best texture — this is the star protein here.
Ramen noodles: Look for no-added-flavor packs if you want to control the sauce, or choose your fave brand for convenience.
Peanuts: Crushing these yourself adds fresh crunch and a lovely nutty pop.
Sesame seeds: Toasted or plain, they boost the sesame vibe and add subtle texture.
Green onions (scallions): They add a fresh, slightly sharp bite that cuts through the creaminess.
Tahini: This sesame seed paste is the creamy base of the sauce — don’t skip it!
Peanut butter (natural): Brings extra depth and richness to the sauce.
Soy sauce: For the essential umami and saltiness.
Toasted sesame oil: A little goes a long way to intensify sesame flavor.
Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the richness.
Maple syrup: A touch of sweetness to round the flavors.
Garlic and ginger: Fresh and zesty aromatics that wake up the sauce.
Sriracha: For a gentle spicy kick — adjust to your heat preference.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe is super adaptable — I love to tweak it based on what’s in my fridge or what I’m craving in the moment. Don’t be shy about making it truly your own.

Add Veggies: I often toss in shredded carrots, sautéed bok choy, or snap peas for some green crunch and extra nutrients.
Swap the heat: If sriracha isn’t your thing, try chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes instead.
Use different noodles: Rice noodles or soba work well if ramen isn’t handy or you want a different texture.
Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free ramen to keep it safe and tasty.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe

A white pan with green handles holds about thirty small golden-yellow cubes of tofu spread out evenly inside it. A woman's hand is pouring a thick dark brown sauce from a small bowl onto the tofu, with the sauce pooling on one side of the pan. The pan rests on a light gray cloth on a white marbled surface. Fresh green sliced scallions and a bowl with chopped nuts sit nearby on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Press and Crisp the Tofu

The first trick to great tofu is pressing out the excess water — I usually wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and set a heavy pan on top for 15 minutes. This gives you that crispy texture without sogginess. After pressing, heat your avocado oil on medium and lay the tofu cubes in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 7-8 minutes to get a golden crust, then carefully flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. I like to sprinkle salt and pepper toward the end so it sticks to the crispy edges nicely.

Step 2: Cook the Ramen Noodles

While the tofu crisps up, boil water in a saucepan and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Draining them well is key because you don’t want extra water watering down the sauce later. I sometimes rinse mine briefly if they seem too sticky, but be gentle so they don't fall apart.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a small bowl, I whisk tahini, natural peanut butter, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, finely minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha until silky smooth. If it seems too thick, a splash of warm water helps loosen it up without sacrificing flavor. Taste and adjust — maybe a touch more maple syrup if you want sweetness, or more sriracha for a heat boost.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Pour the sauce over the tofu right in your skillet, add the drained ramen noodles, and gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Serve it up with crushed peanuts, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and fresh green onions on top. Honestly, this last step is where your dish transitions from great to extraordinary.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe shine every time. Here are my favorite go-to tips:

Pressing the tofu: Don’t skip this step if you want that satisfying crunch — even a little pressing makes a huge difference.
Oil choice matters: Using a light oil like avocado means you get crisp edges without an overpowering flavor.
Sauce consistency: If your sauce feels too thick, add water in small amounts — it should coat the noodles without pooling.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook tofu in a single layer for maximum crispness; if necessary, do it in batches.

How to Serve Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe

sesame ramen noodles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always grab some crushed peanuts and sprinkle them freely over my bowl — it adds this beautiful crunch that contrasts with the noodles and tofu. Toasted sesame seeds are non-negotiable for that aromatic sesame punch. And for a fresh pop, green onions are my go-to; they brighten up every bite and keep it feeling fresh.

Side Dishes

Because this dish is filling on its own, I like pairing it with a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar or some quick pickled vegetables on the side. Occasionally, I’ll make simple steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt for an extra protein boost that complements the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe in neat little bowls topped with edible flowers and red chili slices — it adds color and a touch of elegance. Another fun way is to plate it family-style, letting everyone pile on their own garnishes for a casual, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this sesame ramen keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the tofu separate from the noodles if you want to maintain the crispness longer—just gently reheat before serving.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this dish a couple of times, and while it’s possible, the tofu loses some crispness and the noodles soften more than I like. If freezing, separate tofu and noodles, then thaw and crisp tofu up in the pan when reheating.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftovers is to warm the tofu gently in a non-stick skillet to bring back some of that crunch, then toss the noodles with a little splash of water and microwave or stir-fry until hot. Avoid sogginess by reheating noodles just until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use soft tofu instead of extra-firm for this recipe?

Soft tofu is not recommended for this Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe because it won’t hold its shape and crisp up nicely when cooked. Extra-firm tofu is best for achieving that crispy texture.

How do I make the sauce less spicy?

To reduce the heat, simply cut back on the sriracha or leave it out altogether. You can add a little extra maple syrup or peanut butter to balance the flavor without the spice.

What type of ramen noodles should I buy?

Look for ramen noodles that don’t come with flavor packets if you want full control over the sauce. Fresh or dried ramen noodles both work well, depending on what’s available at your store.

Can I substitute peanut butter with almond butter in this recipe?

Yes! Almond butter can be used instead of peanut butter. It will give the sauce a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile, especially if you want a nuttier, lighter taste.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe feels like passing on a little kitchen secret that always delivers. It’s become a go-to for me when I want comfort without fuss, and I hope it earns a spot on your rotation too. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, nutty, and satisfying flavors — it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside out.