Soba Noodles with Tofu
These nutty buckwheat soba noodles are tossed with crispy pan-fried tofu and a savory Asian-inspired sauce for a quick, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- •9.5 oz soba noodles (270g)
- •14 oz extra-firm tofu (400g), pressed and cubed
- •2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
- •3 tablespoons soy sauce
- •1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- •1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- •1 tablespoon maple syrup
- •1 clove garlic, minced
- •1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- •2 cups baby spinach (60g)
- •3 green onions, thinly sliced
- •1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of unsalted water to a boil and cook the soba noodles according to package instructions, usually about 4 to 5 minutes.
- 2
Drain the noodles thoroughly and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
- 3
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the sauce.
- 4
Heat one tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 5
Add the cubed tofu in a single layer and pan-fry for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- 6
Reduce the heat to low, pour the prepared sauce directly over the crispy tofu, and let it simmer for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
- 7
Add the baby spinach and cooked soba noodles directly into the skillet with the tofu.
- 8
Toss everything gently together for 2 minutes until the noodles are heated through and the spinach is wilted.
- 9
Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
💡 Chef tips
- Make sure to rinse the cooked soba noodles in cold water to remove excess starch and prevent them from sticking together.
- You can easily add extra vegetables to this dish, such as julienned carrots or steamed broccoli florets.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and enjoyed cold or gently reheated.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features tender, nutty soba noodles coated in a savory glaze alongside crispy golden tofu and wilted greens, offering a delightful balance of earthy and umami flavors.