Name: Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon avocado oil; 1 block (350g) extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes; Salt, to taste (optional); Pepper, to taste (optional); 3 packs (210g) ramen noodles; 3 tablespoons peanuts, crushed; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1/2 cup green onions (scallions), thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons tahini; 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1 1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1-2 teaspoons sriracha

When comfort food meets a burst of bold flavors, magic happens—and that’s exactly what you get with this Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe. It’s not just dinner; it’s an experience of crunchy tofu, silky noodles, and a sauce so good, you’ll want to double it next time.

A round brown bowl filled with light brown noodles forms the base layer, topped with medium-sized golden-brown tofu cubes scattered across. Bright green sliced scallions are placed on top along with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and sesame seeds. A silver fork rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl containing crushed nuts partially visible on the upper left and a crumpled light gray cloth on the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Every bite balances crispy, creamy, nutty, and spicy notes in a way that's pure joy.

Quick & Easy Prep: You can have it on the table in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Crunchy Tofu Magic: Pressing and pan-frying the tofu gives it an irresistibly crispy texture that’s a real game changer.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: A luscious blend of tahini, peanut butter, and sriracha that elevates simple noodles to something special.
Customizable & Vegan: It’s naturally plant-based and easy to tweak based on what you have or prefer.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together to create that perfect harmony of texture and taste. Plus, many are pantry-friendly staples, which makes this recipe incredibly accessible.

Flat lay of a block of extra-firm tofu cut into cubes, three bundles of fresh ramen noodles, a small white bowl of light avocado oil, a small white bowl of crushed peanuts, a small white bowl of sesame seeds, a small white bowl with smooth tahini, a small white bowl with creamy natural peanut butter, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl of rice vinegar, a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, two whole garlic cloves, a piece of fresh ginger root with grated texture shown, a few thinly sliced green onions scattered neatly, and one small white bowl containing bright red sriracha sauce, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Avocado oil: I prefer avocado oil for its high smoke point and mild flavor, which helps the tofu crisp without burning.
Extra-firm tofu: The star of the show—firm tofu holds up better for frying and gets delightfully crispy.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the tofu without overpowering the other flavors.
Ramen noodles: These cook quickly and soak up the sauce wonderfully; I usually grab the no-chicken-flavor kind.
Peanuts (crushed): Add a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma; don't skip this finishing touch.
Sesame seeds: Toasted or raw, they add great texture and a hint of earthiness.
Green onions: Freshness and a mild onion bite to balance the rich sauce.
Tahini: Creamy sesame paste that deepens the overall sesame flavor beautifully.
Peanut butter (natural): Makes the sauce luscious and nutty; natural keeps it clean and simple.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to tie the sauce together.
Toasted sesame oil: More sesame goodness but with a fragrant toasted note—use sparingly.
Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity to cut through the richness.
Maple syrup: A touch of sweetness softens the spicy and savory balance.
Garlic (minced or grated): Aromatic punch that mingles perfectly with ginger.
Ginger (grated): Fresh and zingy, it lifts the whole sauce.
Sriracha: Adds heat and complexity; adjust it to your spice tolerance.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing with this recipe to suit the mood. You can easily swap out ingredients or dial up the heat depending on your vibe. It’s all about making it your own and enjoying every bite.

Variation: On colder days, I add steamed broccoli or sautéed shiitake mushrooms for some extra warmth and texture—it makes the bowl feel heartier.
Spice level: If you like things mild, just use 1 teaspoon of sriracha or skip it entirely; for spice lovers, 2 teaspoons or a drizzle of chili oil amps up the heat nicely.
Nut alternatives: If you’re allergic to peanuts, toasted cashews or sunflower seeds work surprisingly well for that satisfying crunch.
Gluten-free: Choose tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and swap ramen noodles for rice noodles or shirataki noodles.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe

A white pan with green handles holds about thirty small golden-yellow cubes of tofu spread out evenly inside it. A woman's hand is pouring a thick dark brown sauce from a small bowl onto the tofu, with the sauce pooling on one side of the pan. The pan rests on a light gray cloth on a white marbled surface. Fresh green sliced scallions and a bowl with chopped nuts sit nearby on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Press and Prepare Your Tofu

Start by pressing your extra-firm tofu for about 15 minutes. I usually wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy skillet on top. This step squeezes out moisture, so when you pan-fry it, the tofu gets golden and crispy instead of soggy—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Crisp Up the Tofu

Heat avocado oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan!). Let them cook without stirring for 7-8 minutes to develop that luscious crust. Flip carefully and fry for another 4-5 minutes until all sides are golden. Season with salt and pepper as you go.

Step 3: Prepare the Ramen Noodles

While your tofu crisps up, boil water in a medium saucepan to cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes. Drain and set aside, ready to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the tahini, natural peanut butter, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha. Whisk thoroughly until smooth—this creamy, tangy, spicy sauce is what brings everything together.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Pour the sauce over the crispy tofu in the skillet, add the cooked noodles, and toss everything until well coated and heated through. Plate it up, then finish with a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh green onions for that extra pop of flavor and crunch.

Top Tip

From my many attempts making this recipe, a few tricks helped me nail the texture and flavor every time. You’ll love these little secrets!

Press Your Tofu Well: Skipping this will give you softer tofu that can fall apart. Using a towel and weight really makes a difference for crispy cubes.
Control the Heat: Cooking tofu over medium heat prevents burning while still allowing a perfect golden crust.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give tofu space to crisp up instead of steaming—it’s key to getting that satisfying crunch.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce feels too thick, just whisk in a little warm water until it coats the noodles nicely.

How to Serve Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe

sesame ramen noodles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Whenever I make this dish, I always top it with crushed peanuts for that great crunch and nuttiness, toasted sesame seeds for aroma, and thinly sliced green onions for freshness and color. Sometimes, I add a few red chili flakes for a visual kick and extra heat.

Side Dishes

Pairing this with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame keeps the meal light but satisfying. For heartier dinners, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli go wonderfully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Serve these noodles in individual bowls with extra garnishes on the side so everyone can customize. I’ve also used bentos or glass jars layered with noodles, tofu, and toppings for a fun lunchbox twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tofu holds up well, but the noodles can absorb the sauce and get a bit soft—reheating with a splash of water or broth helps revive them.

Freezing

I personally don’t freeze this dish because the tofu’s crispiness and noodle texture change too much after thawing. If you want to freeze, separate tofu and noodles, freeze tofu raw (not cooked), then thaw and crisp later.

Reheating

The skillet is your best friend here—warm up the noodles and tofu on medium heat, stirring gently to keep that crisp tofu texture while heating evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth prevents it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use firm tofu instead of extra-firm?

Firm tofu can work, but extra-firm is ideal because it holds together better and crisps up nicely without falling apart during cooking. If using firm tofu, pressing it well is especially important.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Also, swap the ramen noodles for rice noodles or gluten-free noodles to keep it safe for gluten sensitivity.

What if I don't have tahini on hand?

If you don’t have tahini, you can increase the peanut butter slightly or use almond butter for a different nutty depth. The sauce won’t be exactly the same but will still be delicious and creamy.

Can I bake the tofu instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely! Baking the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, can yield crispy tofu with less oil. Just make sure to cut the tofu into even cubes and lay them out on a lined baking sheet for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the perfect marriage of quick prep and complex flavors. I’m always excited to share it because it’s approachable, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend lunch, you’ll find yourself turning to this dish again and again. Give it a try—I’m betting it’ll become one of your favorites too!