Spicy Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu
The Perfect Balance of Heat, Creaminess, and Crunch
Inspired by Southeast Asian street food, these Spicy Peanut Noodles combine creamy peanut sauce, heat, and tangy vinegar with crispy tofu for a flavorful vegetarian meal that’s both satisfying and bold.
Bold Spicy Peanut Noodles with Tofu – A Flavor-Packed, Vegan Thai-Inspired Noodle Dish
DifficultyMedium
Servings4
Prep time15 minutes
Cook time15 minutes
Total time30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz rice noodles, (or any noodle of choice)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- ¼ cup peanut butter, (creamy or chunky)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, (or honey for non-vegan)
- 2 teaspoons chili paste or sriracha, (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2-4 tablespoons warm water, (to adjust sauce consistency)
For the Tofu:
- 14 oz block firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped peanuts
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
- 1
Prepare the Noodles:
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions (usually 4-6 minutes).
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle with sesame oil and soy sauce to coat. Set aside.
- 2
Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, chili paste, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- Gradually add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired sauce consistency (smooth but pourable). Set aside.
- 3
Prepare the Tofu:
- Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- Heat sesame oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add tofu and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drizzle soy sauce and rice vinegar over tofu during the last minute of cooking to enhance flavor.
- 4
Assemble the Dish:
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked noodles with the spicy peanut sauce until well coated.
- Add the crispy tofu and toss again gently.
- 5
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, peanuts, sliced green onions, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Equipment
- Medium pot (for boiling noodles)
- Skillet or large pan (for tofu)
- Small bowl (for sauce)
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Recipe Notes and Variations:
Substitutions:
- Swap the rice noodles for soba noodles, ramen, or even spaghetti.
- Use almond butter or cashew butter for a nut-free option.
- For extra crunch, add shredded carrots or cucumber ribbons.
Pro Tips:
- Ensure tofu is pressed properly to remove excess moisture for a crispier texture.
- Adjust the amount of chili paste or sriracha to match your preferred spice level.
- If the peanut sauce is too thick, thin it out with more warm water until it reaches your desired consistency.
FAQs:
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
What type of tofu should I use for this recipe?
- Firm or extra-firm tofu works best as it holds its shape when frying and gets crispy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition
| Calories | 450 |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 950mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 18g |
History, Evolution, and Inspiration
The spicy peanut noodles have become a global favorite, with their origins rooted in Thai and Asian-inspired cuisine. Combining peanut butter with heat, garlic, and tangy vinegar, this dish brings an exciting punch to the dinner table. This recipe takes a classic dish, commonly seen in street food stalls across Southeast Asia, and transforms it into a bold and flavorful vegetarian meal by pairing it with crispy, golden tofu.
The Art of Cooking Parts of the Recipe
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of textures and flavors. The soft, chewy noodles are coated with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce, while the crispy tofu adds an irresistible crunch. The fresh garnishes of cilantro, peanuts, and lime add brightness, rounding out the deep umami of the peanut sauce.
Interesting Things About the Recipe
This recipe is vegan and gluten-free if you choose the right ingredients, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. It’s also quick to make — ready in just 30 minutes — making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or as a go-to dinner when you need something fast but satisfying.
Overview of the Parts of the Recipe
This dish consists of:
- Rice noodles as a base, soaking up the creamy peanut sauce
- Crispy tofu, seasoned and browned to perfection
- A spicy peanut sauce, blending peanut butter with soy, vinegar, and chili paste
- Garnishes that enhance both flavor and texture, adding fresh elements
What Occasions It’s Good For
Perfect for weeknight dinners, quick meals, or meal prepping, these spicy peanut noodles are versatile enough to suit many occasions. They can also be served as a light lunch or side dish at a gathering or potluck.
Why It’s the Perfect Recipe
This dish strikes the right balance of comfort and heat, providing a spicy peanut flavor with plenty of plant-based protein from the tofu. It’s filling, satisfying, and easy to prepare, making it a perfect dinner for everyone, from vegetarians to those who love a little heat in their food.
