If you’re searching for something exciting and utterly satisfying for your next vegetarian meal, look no further than Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles. This dish combines crispy, golden tofu infused with deep Chinese five spice flavor and a tangle of nutty, sesame-coated noodles. The best part? It’s on the table in just half an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend lunch. Bold, aromatic, and bursting with fresh garnishes, this is a vegetarian creation that manages to be both simple and incredibly delicious—the kind of meal you’ll be coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles is in how each thoughtfully chosen ingredient adds its own brilliance—whether it’s a punch of flavor, a silky noodle texture, or a pop of green. Gather these staples for a meal that feels special but won’t send you on a wild goose chase.
- Extra-firm tofu: Pressed and drained, this tofu gets irresistibly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
- Soy sauce: Adds savory depth both to the tofu marinade and the sesame noodle sauce—don’t skip it!
- Hoisin sauce: Lends a touch of sweetness and umami richness to the tofu, balancing the spices perfectly.
- Chinese five spice powder: The star flavor here—a blend of cinnamon, clove, fennel, star anise, and pepper—creates an unmistakable warmth.
- Vegetable oil: Helps achieve that golden-crisp crust on every side of the tofu cubes.
- Soba or spaghetti noodles: Soba adds an earthy note, but spaghetti noodles work beautifully if that’s what you have on hand.
- Sesame oil: A nutty, fragrant touch that clings to every strand of noodle.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that perks up the entire noodle bowl.
- Honey or maple syrup: Just enough sweetness to round out the dressing—choose maple for a vegan option.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle on for crunch and a burst of toasty flavor.
- Green onions: Sliced thin, they add fresh, subtle sharpness and a hint of color.
- Fresh cilantro: The perfect green garnish, lending brightness and an herby finish to every bite.
How to Make Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles
Step 1: Marinate the Tofu
Start by cutting the drained and well-pressed tofu into bite-sized 1-inch cubes. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five spice powder—this creates a marinade that infuses the tofu with incredible aroma and flavor. Gently toss the tofu cubes in the marinade until they’re evenly coated. If you have a few extra minutes, let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes so every cube soaks up the savory-sweet spice blend.
Step 2: Pan-Fry the Tofu
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated tofu cubes and fry them for 6 to 8 minutes, turning every so often so all sides get beautifully golden and crispy. The transformation here is half the fun—watch the tofu develop an irresistible crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the soba (or spaghetti) noodles according to package instructions. When done, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. This step stops the cooking and gives your noodles a springy, toothsome texture that pairs wonderfully with the sesame sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sesame Noodle Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup. This glossy, fragrant sauce is the secret behind every silky, flavorful strand of noodle in your Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles. Pour the cooked noodles into the bowl and toss to coat them well, making sure each noodle is slicked with sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Divide your sesame noodles between serving bowls, then top generously with your fresh-off-the-pan five spice tofu cubes. Finish each bowl with a scattering of toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. The final result is an inviting, colorful dish that begs to be devoured warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles
Garnishes
Don’t skimp on the finishing touches! A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds gives every bite a deep, nutty crunch, while a shower of sliced green onions adds freshness and zip. Fresh cilantro takes it over the top, introducing bright, herbal notes that make the Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles pop with flavor and color.
Side Dishes
These noodles are a satisfying main course, but for an even more showstopping meal, add a quick sauté of bell peppers or snap peas on the side. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar or a bowl of miso soup would also round out the dish beautifully, balancing the warm spices of the tofu and the richness of the sesame noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles in shallow pasta bowls for maximum visual impact, artfully arranging the tofu on top. For a casual gathering, try offering the noodles and tofu family-style with separate fixings so everyone can build their own bowl. Leftover noodles can be scooped into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held lunch the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles tasting their best, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making this a meal that might be even tastier the next day. The noodles and tofu will both stay delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While the tofu itself freezes fairly well, the noodles are best enjoyed fresh. If you do want to freeze, separate the tofu from the noodles and store in freezer-safe containers for up to a month; just know that the texture of soba or spaghetti may change after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the noodles and tofu separately. Warm the tofu cubes in a skillet over medium heat to help them crisp up again, and microwave or gently reheat the noodles with a splash of water to restore their texture. A quick toss together right before serving will bring everything back to life.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While soba noodles lend a nutty, earthy flavor, regular spaghetti, rice noodles, or even udon work just as well. Choose whatever you have in your pantry or what sounds best to you—the Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles will shine regardless.
Is this recipe vegan?
This dish is easily made vegan: simply use maple syrup instead of honey in the sauce. All other ingredients are plant-based, so this adaptation is quick and effortless.
How do I press tofu if I don’t have a tofu press?
Wrap your block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel, place it on a plate, and set something heavy (like a skillet or a can) on top. Leave it for about 15 minutes—the goal is to squeeze out as much water as possible to help the tofu crisp up when cooked.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Quick-cooked veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, spinach, or shredded carrots add wonderful crunch and color, making Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles even more vibrant and nutritious.
What does Chinese five spice taste like?
Chinese five spice is a magical blend of warm spices—cinnamon, star anise, fennel, clove, and Sichuan peppercorns—creating a flavor that’s sweet, savory, slightly peppery, and incredibly aromatic. It gives Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles their signature taste.
Final Thoughts
This Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles recipe is one of those dependable, feel-good meals that finds its way into any busy cook’s regular rotation. Give it a try—you just might discover your new favorite at-home takeout fix. Happy cooking!
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Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish of Five Spice Tofu with Sesame Noodles, a perfect blend of Asian-inspired flavors. Crispy tofu infused with Chinese five spice powder served over sesame-coated noodles, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Tofu:
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sesame Noodles:
- 8 ounces soba or spaghetti noodles
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Tofu Preparation: Cut tofu into cubes. Marinate with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five spice powder. Cook until golden.
- Noodles: Cook noodles, then toss with sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey.
- Assembly: Divide noodles into bowls, top with tofu, sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro.
Notes
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
- Tastes great hot or cold for lunch the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
