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Vegetarian Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles Recipe


  • Author: Dianna

Ingredients

Scale

For the Baked Tofu:

  • 1 block (14-16 oz / 400-450g) extra-firm tofu, pressed for at least 30 minutes
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust to spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or agave nectar)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot starch)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil (like avocado or canola)

For the Noodles & Vegetables:

  • 810 oz (225-280g) dried noodles of choice (ramen, udon, soba, rice noodles) or 12-14 oz fresh noodles
  • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
  • 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 2 cups)
  • Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1 cup snow peas, or 1 small head bok choy, chopped

For the Spicy Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 23 tablespoons gochujang (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or agave nectar)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth or water, plus more if needed
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (cornstarch slurry, optional for thickening)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped scallions (green onions)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • A squeeze of lime juice

Instructions

1. Prepare and Bake the Tofu:
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Once the tofu is pressed, tear or cut it into 1-inch cubes or pieces.
* In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger for the tofu marinade.
* Add the tofu pieces to the marinade and toss gently to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or longer in the fridge if time permits).
* Sprinkle the tablespoon of cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss again until lightly coated.
* Drizzle the tablespoon of neutral oil over the tofu and toss one last time.
* Spread the tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.

2. Cook the Noodles:
* While the tofu is baking, cook your chosen noodles according to package directions until al dente.
* Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking and stop the cooking process. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Spicy Sauce:
* In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2-3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, and 1/2 cup vegetable broth/water. Taste and adjust seasoning (more gochujang for heat, more maple syrup for sweetness, etc.).
* If you prefer a thicker sauce, prepare the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and set aside.

4. Stir-fry the Vegetables:
* Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet, wok, or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
* Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* Add the firmer vegetables like carrots and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
* Add the bell peppers (and any other softer vegetables like mushrooms or snow peas). Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until all vegetables are crisp-tender.

5. Combine and Serve:
* Pour the prepared spicy sauce over the vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
* If using the cornstarch slurry for a thicker sauce, whisk it in now and let the sauce simmer and thicken for about a minute.
* Add the cooked noodles and the baked tofu to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce.
* Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the noodles and tofu are well-coated with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the noodles to heat through. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more vegetable broth or water.
* Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: One Normal Portion
  • Calories: 550-650 kcal