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Crispy Sesame Garlic Udon Noodle Bowl with Tofu

crispy sesame garlic udon noodle bowl - featured image
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A quick and easy vegetarian noodle bowl featuring crispy tofu and chewy udon noodles tossed in a savory garlic sesame sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers a satisfying texture contrast and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Fresh or frozen udon noodles (dried can be used with extra cooking time)
  • 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or grapeseed)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: thinly sliced bell peppers, snap peas, shredded carrots

Instructions

  1. Press the firm tofu by wrapping it in clean kitchen towels and placing a heavy pan or book on top for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add udon noodles and cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes for dried, 2-3 minutes for fresh). Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar or maple syrup, and minced garlic. Set aside.
  4. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat dry if needed.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy on one side. Flip and cook until all sides are golden. Remove tofu and drain on paper towels.
  6. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add cooked udon noodles, spreading them out evenly. Cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes to crisp the bottom, then flip and crisp the other side for another 3 minutes.
  7. Pour the garlic sesame sauce over the noodles and toss gently to coat evenly. Add the crispy tofu back in and toss to combine.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Add optional fresh veggies if desired.
  9. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

Pressing tofu is essential for crispiness. Cook tofu and noodles separately to achieve the best texture. Use a hot pan and enough oil to prevent sticking. If sauce is thin, cook it longer with noodles to thicken. Avoid stirring noodles too soon to allow crisping.

Nutrition

Keywords: udon noodles, tofu, sesame garlic sauce, crispy tofu, vegetarian, quick dinner, easy recipe, pan-fried noodles

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crispy-sesame-garlic-udon-noodle-bowl-with-tofu-easy-recipe-for-beginners/