Description
This Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu recipe is a quick and flavorful vegan dish that combines crispy pan-fried tofu with tender ramen noodles tossed in a rich, nutty sesame sauce. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sriracha for heat, this dish is garnished with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh green onions for added texture and freshness. Perfect for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 block (350g) extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes
- Salt, to taste (optional)
- Pepper, to taste (optional)
Noodles
- 3 packs (210g) ramen noodles
Garnishes
- 3 tablespoons peanuts, crushed
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps it become extra crispy when cooked. This step is optional but recommended. After pressing, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook undisturbed for 7-8 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Noodles: While the tofu is cooking, bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles well.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 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 cloves of finely minced or grated garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of sriracha depending on your spice preference. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked tofu. Add the drained cooked noodles and gently toss everything together until the tofu and noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the noodle and tofu mixture to serving bowls. Top with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and thinly sliced green onions for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious sesame ramen noodles with crispy tofu.
Notes
- For extra crispy tofu, press the tofu beforehand to remove excess water.
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or salt for a healthier sauce.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the sriracha.
- You can substitute ramen noodles with other types of wheat or rice noodles if desired.
- To make the dish gluten-free, choose tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and gluten-free noodles.
- Feel free to add steamed or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or snap peas for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
