Name: 15-Minute Chili Tofu Noodles
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 120 g extra-firm tofu; 1 tsp cornflour; Vegetable oil (for frying); 1/4 tsp Chinese 5 spice; 1/2 tsp light soy sauce; 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce; 2 spring onions (chopped, reserve some for garnish); 1 garlic clove (peeled and finely chopped); 1 tsp chili oil (plus extra for topping); 1 tsp light soy sauce; 1 tsp dark soy sauce; 1 tsp maple syrup; 1/2 tsp rice vinegar; 200 g ready-to-cook udon noodles

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Sometimes, you just want a meal that’s quick, delicious, and will leave you feeling satisfied. Well, this 15-Minute Chili Tofu Noodles recipe is your new best friend! With crispy tofu, savory noodles, and just the right amount of spicy kick, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and takes only 15 minutes to pull together. Sounds like a dream, right? Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love 15-Minute Chili Tofu Noodles

This recipe is a total game-changer for quick, flavorful meals. It’s all about the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and heartiness. Here’s why it’ll quickly become a favorite:

Versatile: Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a last-minute get-together, or cooking for yourself, this dish can do it all. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for any occasion.

Budget-Friendly: The ingredients in this recipe are simple and affordable—no need for fancy or expensive pantry staples. Tofu, noodles, and a few seasonings are all you need to create something incredible.

Quick and Easy: Seriously, this dish comes together in 15 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite show, and way more delicious!

Customizable: Spice lover? Add a little extra chili sauce or red pepper flakes. Prefer something milder? Cut back on the spice and keep it fresh with some extra veggies. This recipe is totally flexible!

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for one or many, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Even those who aren’t usually tofu fans will love the crispy, golden texture and the flavorful sauce. It’s comfort food with a healthy twist!

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few basic ingredients, but the flavors are out of this world. Let’s break it down:

Tofu: The tofu is the star here. We’ll pan-fry it to crispy, golden perfection, making it the perfect vehicle for soaking up all the chili sauce and flavors. Plus, it adds that hearty, satisfying element to the dish.

Noodles: Any noodles will do here—rice noodles, soba, or even spaghetti if you’ve got it on hand. The noodles soak up the delicious sauce and make the dish feel like a big, comforting bowl of goodness.

Chili Sauce: The key to giving this dish that spicy, savory kick. Whether you use sriracha, gochujang, or a simple chili paste, this sauce is what takes the dish from good to incredible.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds that fragrant, savory base flavor that brings everything together. It pairs so well with the chili sauce and tofu, giving each bite that perfect balance.

Soy Sauce: A must for any Asian-inspired dish. Soy sauce brings that salty, umami depth that elevates the flavors of the tofu and noodles.

Vegetable Oil: For pan-frying the tofu to crispy, golden perfection. It ensures the tofu gets that satisfying crunch on the outside while staying soft on the inside.

Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish. They bring a mild onion flavor that complements the rich chili sauce and tofu.

Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil adds that toasty, nutty flavor that makes this dish truly addictive.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful, 15-minute masterpiece:

Prepare the Tofu: Start by draining and pressing the tofu to remove any excess moisture. This helps it crisp up nicely when you fry it. Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes.

Cook the Noodles: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook your noodles according to package instructions. Once they’re ready, drain and set them aside.

Fry the Tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden and crispy on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the chili sauce, soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Stir everything together and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and fragrant.

Toss the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles into the pan with the sauce and toss to coat. Let them soak up all the delicious sauce for 1-2 minutes.

Assemble and Serve: Once the noodles are coated in the sauce, add the crispy tofu back into the pan and toss everything together. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, crunchy bite. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 400

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve 15-Minute Chili Tofu Noodles

This dish is already packed with so much flavor, but here are a few ideas to make your meal even more special:

Fresh Salad: Pair it with a side salad, like a simple cucumber and carrot slaw with a light vinaigrette, for a refreshing crunch.

Steamed Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or bok choy, would be an excellent side to add a little extra nutrition and color.

Rice: If you’re craving extra carbs, serve these noodles with a side of fluffy jasmine rice. The flavors of the chili sauce will pair beautifully with the rice.

Spring Rolls: For a full Asian-inspired meal, consider serving these noodles with crispy vegetable spring rolls on the side. The crunchy texture would complement the soft noodles and tofu perfectly.

Garnishes: A sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Press Your Tofu Well: To get that perfect crispy texture, make sure to press your tofu well to remove as much moisture as possible. A tofu press makes this process even easier.

Customize the Heat: If you like it spicy, go ahead and add more chili sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the chili sauce amount to your taste.

Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Cook a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in a pan with a splash of water to freshen it up.

Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Tofu Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of tofu, you can substitute with tempeh, seitan, or even chicken for a different twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use any type of noodles?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any type of noodles you like—rice noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prep the tofu and sauce ahead of time, and cook the noodles when you’re ready to eat. The noodles will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to keep the noodles moist.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: It’s best to freeze the tofu separately from the noodles. Both can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to keep the noodles moist. You can also microwave it, but make sure to cover it so the noodles don’t dry out.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, absolutely! If you’re cooking for a crowd, just double the ingredients and follow the same steps. It’s an easy recipe to scale up.

Q7: Can I use another protein instead of tofu?
A7: Definitely! You can substitute the tofu with tempeh, seitan, or even grilled chicken for a different take on this dish.

Q8: Is this dish vegan?
A8: Yes! This dish is naturally vegan, but make sure to check your soy sauce to ensure it’s vegan-friendly.

Q9: Can I use a different sauce instead of chili sauce?
A9: Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, you could use hoisin sauce or sweet chili sauce for a different twist.

Q10: What kind of chili sauce should I use?
A10: You can use any chili sauce you prefer, like sriracha or gochujang, depending on how spicy you want it. Adjust the amount to fit your heat tolerance.

Conclusion

There you have it—15-Minute Chili Tofu Noodles that are quick, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a spicy, savory meal or just need something easy to whip up on a busy night, this recipe has you covered. It’s got everything you want in a meal: crunch, heat, comfort, and simplicity. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be making it again and again!