Description
A quick, 25-minute stir-fry featuring crispy cornstarch-coated tofu and rice noodles tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce made with pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) flat rice noodles
- 14–16 oz (400g) extra-firm tofu
- 1/2 cup (120g) natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp or sriracha
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (for tofu)
- Optional toppings: green onions, cilantro, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in paper towels, place a heavy object on top, and let sit for 10 minutes to remove excess water. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, chili crisp, apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger. Add 2-3 tablespoons of warm water to thin to a pourable consistency.
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rice noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 3-5 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with a drizzle of sesame oil.
- Crisp the tofu: Pat tofu cubes very dry. Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove to a plate.
- Combine: Reduce heat to medium. Pour the peanut sauce into the same skillet. Let bubble for 30 seconds. Add noodles and toss to coat. If too thick, add a splash of water. Top with crispy tofu and optional garnishes.
Notes
Pressing the tofu is crucial for crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan when frying tofu to ensure it crisps rather than steams. For meal prep, store sauce and tofu separately from noodles to maintain texture. This recipe is naturally vegan if using maple syrup and soy sauce/tamari.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl per serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 18
Keywords: spicy peanut noodles, crispy tofu, quick dinner, vegan recipe, stir fry, peanut sauce, tofu recipe, weeknight dinner