Spicy Peanut Noodles with Tofu
A vibrant and satisfying high-protein meal, these spicy peanut noodles feature chewy noodles and pan-seared tofu coated in a rich, creamy, and spicy peanut sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare Tofu: Press the extra-firm tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook Noodles: While tofu cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add ramen noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 3-4 minutes. Drain well and rinse briefly with cold water to prevent sticking, then drain again thoroughly.
Prepare Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, fresh lime juice, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sriracha (start with 1 tbsp and add more to taste), grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and optional maple syrup. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of hot water until the sauce is smooth and reaches your desired consistency. Add a little more hot water if it's too thick.
Prepare Vegetables: While the noodles and tofu are cooking, shred the carrots, julienne the cucumber, and thinly slice the red bell pepper. Slice the scallions and chop the fresh cilantro for garnish.
Combine: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained noodles, cooked tofu, shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, and sliced red bell pepper. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the ingredients.
Toss and Serve: Toss everything gently until the noodles, tofu, and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Divide the spicy peanut noodles among serving bowls. Garnish generously with sliced scallions, chopped fresh cilantro, crushed peanuts, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Tofu Pressing: For extra crispy tofu, press it for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) using a tofu press or by wrapping it in paper towels and placing a heavy object on top.
- 2Sauce Consistency: The consistency of your peanut butter can vary. If your sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of hot water at a time until it reaches a pourable, yet clingy, texture.
- 3Make Ahead: The peanut sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You might need to thin it with a little hot water before using.
- 4Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other quick-cooking or raw vegetables like edamame, snap peas, or thinly sliced cabbage for added texture and nutrients.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Instead of tofu, use pan-seared chicken breast, shrimp, or edamame for a different protein source.
Noodle ChoiceNoodle Choice
Experiment with different noodle types such as udon, soba, rice vermicelli, or even whole wheat spaghetti for varied textures and nutritional profiles.
Spice LevelSpice Level
Adjust the amount of sriracha or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil for more heat, or reduce it for a milder dish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Plant-Based Protein
Tofu and peanuts provide a significant amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety, making this a fulfilling vegetarian/vegan meal.
Healthy Fats
Peanut butter contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Rich in Fiber & Vitamins
The inclusion of various fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper adds dietary fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), and antioxidants, supporting digestive health and immunity.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, absolutely! Use 100% buckwheat soba noodles or rice noodles, and ensure you use tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) instead of regular soy sauce.
