Chilli Tofu Noodles

The tofu in this dish takes on a beautiful, crispy texture on the outside while staying soft and tender on the inside. It’s the perfect balance of textures, making each bite so satisfying. As you toss it with the noodles, the savory flavors of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of ginger coat everything beautifully. The chili adds just the right amount of heat, but it’s not overwhelming—it’s a warm, comforting spice that lingers without taking over. And don’t get me started on the garlic—so aromatic and rich, it’s almost like the heart of the dish, infusing everything with that irresistible, deep flavor. The best part? The noodles soak up all the sauce, making every slurp a burst of flavor. There’s something about the combination of crispy tofu and chewy noodles that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s a dish that always hits the spot.

Key Ingredients for Chilli Tofu Noodles

When it comes to noodles, every ingredient plays an essential role in the dish texture and flavor. Here is a quick rundown of the key players in this dish:

– **Firm Tofu**: The star of the show! Firm tofu is the best choice for this recipe as it crisps up beautifully when fried. It soaks in the savory sauce while remaining tender inside.

– **Noodles**: You can’t have this dish without chewy noodles that soak up all that delicious sauce. Each bite is packed with flavor and texture.

– **Soy Sauce**: Provides a savory depth to the dish, giving it a rich foundation.

– **Chili Paste**: Adds the perfect kick of heat, without overwhelming the other flavors.

– **Rice Vinegar**: A splash of tang, rounding out the flavors and giving the dish a fresh, bright note.

– **Vegetable Oil**: Used for frying the tofu and sautéing the vegetables, ensuring everything gets nice and crispy.

– **Bell Pepper**: Adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color, contrasting the soft noodles.

– **Red Chili**: Provides a bit of heat and an additional layer of flavor.

– **Onion**: Adds a savory depth of flavor when sautéed. Their slightly caramelized edges add complexity to the overall taste, making the dish feel richer.

– **Carrot (julienned)**: The carrots provide a satisfying crunch and a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the other savory ingredients. They also add a pop of color, making the dish even more inviting.

– **Spring Onion (chopped)**: These are your fresh, crisp garnish that brings a sharp, herbal note to the dish. They brighten up the overall flavor and add a touch of freshness at the end.

– **Sesame Seeds**: These little seeds are more than just decoration—they offer a nutty crunch that adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft noodles and crispy tofu. Plus, they bring a lovely finish to the dish.

These ingredients, working together in harmony, create the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and aromas that make this Chili Tofu Noodles dish a true standout.

How to Make Chilli Tofu Noodles

Serving Suggestions for Chilli Tofu Noodles

1. Pair it with a side of sautéed greens: To round out the meal, serve your Chilli Tofu Noodles with a side of sautéed spinach or bok choy. The slight bitterness of the greens balances the richness of the noodles and tofu, giving your dish a more complete and nourishing feel.

2. Top it off with some crunchy peanuts: If you love a bit of crunch in every bite, sprinkle some chopped roasted peanuts on top just before serving. They add a salty, nutty contrast that elevates the whole dish and makes it even more addictive.

3. Serve with a cold, refreshing drink: The heat from the chili pairs perfectly with a cool drink. Try serving your noodles with a chilled cucumber or mint lemonade for a refreshing contrast that cuts through the spice, leaving your taste buds dancing with every bite.

Let me know which one you try, and feel free to get creative with your own twists!

How to Store Chilli Tofu Noodles

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or if you’re planning ahead for a busy day), storing your Chilli Tofu Noodles properly will keep all that flavor and texture intact. First things first, let the noodles cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. This helps prevent excess moisture from building up, which can make the noodles soggy.

When storing, make sure the tofu and noodles are mixed in well so the sauce isn’t concentrated in one area. You want that even flavor distribution for later enjoyment. Refrigerate the dish for up to 2-3 days. If you’re planning to store it for longer, you can freeze it—just be aware that the texture of the tofu might change a bit when reheated. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. A little splash of water or extra soy sauce can help bring back that saucy goodness if it seems a bit dry.

If you’re prepping this dish in advance, I recommend storing the sauce and the cooked tofu separately from the noodles. This way, when you reheat, the tofu stays crispy, and the noodles don’t absorb too much sauce while sitting in the fridge. It’s the best of both worlds, with crispy tofu and delicious noodles, just like the first time you made them!

Conclusion

And there you have it—the perfect bowl of Chilli Tofu Noodles, packed with crispy tofu, savory noodles, and a glorious sauce that brings everything together in the most satisfying way. From the first bite to the last, this dish offers a comforting combination of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or something you whip up for a cozy weekend meal, it’s bound to impress.

If you decide to give this recipe a try (and I truly hope you do!), let me know how it goes! I love hearing about your twists and turns in the kitchen. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback—don’t hesitate to share! This recipe is meant to be fun, flavorful, and, most importantly, something you can enjoy with family or friends. Happy cooking, and I’m excited to hear what you think!

Print Recipe

Chilli Tofu Noodles

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 35 mins

Calories: 400

Description

Spicy, savory, and perfectly balanced, Chilli Tofu Noodles bring a fiery kick with tender tofu and silky noodles. Tossed in a bold, tangy sauce with a touch of sweetness, this dish is a flavor-packed adventure you won’t want to miss!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 200 grams tofu

• 150 grams noodles

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon chili paste

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• ¹⁄₂ cup bell pepper, sliced

• ¹⁄₂ cup onion, sliced

• ¹⁄₂ cup carrot, julienned

• 2 tablespoons spring onion, chopped

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Start by pressing the tofu to remove any excess water. Place the tofu block on a plate, cover it with a paper towel, and place a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes.
2. While the tofu is pressing, bring a pot of water to a boil to cook the noodles. Once boiling, add the noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside.
3. Next, cut the pressed tofu into small cubes, roughly 1-inch in size.
4. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cubed tofu to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the sesame oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn them.
6. Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
7. While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce by combining the soy sauce, chili paste, rice vinegar, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
8. Once the vegetables are done, add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well combined, making sure the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated.
9. Return the cooked tofu to the skillet and gently stir it in with the noodles and vegetables. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped spring onion and sesame seeds over the top. Give everything one last toss to combine.
11. Serve the Chilli Tofu Noodles hot, garnished with extra spring onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Note

• Pressing the tofu helps remove excess moisture, ensuring it crisps up nicely when sautéed.
• For extra flavor, try marinating the tofu in soy sauce for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
• You can substitute the rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, adjust the amount of chili paste or add fresh chili slices.
• Add more vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or baby corn for a variation in texture and flavor.

Keywords: Chilli tofu noodle recipe, spicy tofu noodles, vegan chilli noodles, easy tofu noodle recipe, stir-fry chilli tofu noodles