Name: Sesame Tofu Ramen Noodles 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

There’s something delightfully comforting about a bowl of warm noodles kissed by nutty sesame flavors and topped with crispy tofu. The Sesame Tofu Ramen Noodles Recipe brings all that cozy goodness into a quick, weeknight-friendly meal that’s both hearty and fresh.

A bowl filled with three main layers: at the bottom is a base of brown noodles mixed with sauce, on top are several medium-sized golden-brown tofu cubes, and the final layer is sprinkled with green sliced scallions and crushed light tan peanuts. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, and the bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. Near the bowl on the left side, there is a small white bowl with more crushed peanuts and some green scallions for garnish. A light gray cloth is partially visible at the bottom right corner. 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 Tofu Ramen Noodles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sesame Tofu Ramen Noodles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sesame Tofu Ramen Noodles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Sesame Tofu Ramen Noodles Recipe quickly became one of my go-to dinners because it masterfully balances crispy, saucy, and fresh elements all in one bowl. It’s perfect when you want something nourishing without spending hours cooking.

Crispy Tofu Magic: Pressing and pan-frying tofu adds the perfect crunch that holds up beautifully against the creamy sesame sauce.
Rich, Flavor-Packed Sauce: A luscious blend of tahini, peanut butter, and sriracha adds depth and a slight kick.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Customizable & Vegan: Naturally plant-based and flexible, you can swap or add ingredients to suit your preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Sesame Tofu Ramen Noodles Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtful ingredients. Each brings its own texture and flavor that come together in perfect harmony.

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 of tahini, a small white bowl of natural peanut butter, a small white bowl of soy sauce, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl of rice vinegar, a small white bowl of maple syrup, two whole garlic cloves, a small piece of fresh ginger root, a small white bowl of bright red sriracha sauce, and a bunch of thinly sliced green onions arranged symmetrically 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: Its mild flavor and high smoke point make it perfect for frying tofu to crispy perfection.
Extra-firm tofu: Firm tofu holds its shape well when cooking, ensuring that nice crispy edges without falling apart.
Ramen noodles: I like using fresh or quick-cook ramen—they soak up the sauce wonderfully without getting mushy.
Peanuts (crushed): Adds a lovely crunch and enhances the nutty profile of the dish.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for that undeniable sesame aroma and texture.
Green onions: Adds a fresh, sharp contrast to balance the richness.
Tahini & peanut butter: Together create the creamy base for the sauce with a rich, nutty flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds savory, umami depth and saltiness that pulls the flavors together.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a little goes a long way, offering an authentic toasted sesame aroma.
Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a hint of tang to cut through the richness.
Maple syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances salty and spicy notes.
Garlic & ginger: Fresh aromatics that make the sauce lively and flavorful.
Sriracha: I recommend adjusting this to your spice comfort level—it adds a nice kick without overpowering.

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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 how forgiving this Sesame Tofu Ramen Noodles Recipe is—you can tweak it to suit your tastes or what you have in your pantry. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Variation: I sometimes swap ramen noodles for soba or udon for a different texture, and honestly, it turns out delicious every time.
Heat level: Play with sriracha quantity or substitute it with chili garlic sauce if you prefer a different kind of spice.
Veggie additions: Toss in steamed broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
Protein swaps: If tofu isn’t your thing, crispy tempeh or pan-seared chicken breast work well here too.

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

A white frying pan with light green handles is placed on a light brown cloth on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there are many small, golden brown tofu cubes arranged mostly on one side. A woman's hand is seen pouring thick dark brown sauce from a small bowl into the pan, spreading towards the tofu cubes. To the top left of the pan, there are chopped green onions scattered and a small white bowl filled with crushed peanuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get That Tofu Crispy

First things first—press your tofu for at least 15 minutes to squeeze out excess moisture. This step lets the tofu crisp up nicely instead of steaming in the pan. I use a tofu press, but a stack of plates and a kitchen towel works too! Heat avocado oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add your tofu cubes and cook them undisturbed for about 7-8 minutes until the bottoms turn golden and crisp. Then flip and cook another 4-5 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper, keeping in mind the soy sauce in the sauce will add salty notes later.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

While the tofu is crisping, bring a pot of water to boil and cook your ramen noodles according to the package directions. I like to drain them right away so they don’t get mushy while we prepare the sauce and tofu.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

Combine tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha in a bowl. Give everything a good whisk until smooth. This sauce is the heart of the dish—it brings that luscious, creamy texture and a beautiful balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Pour the sauce right into the skillet with your crispy tofu, then add the drained noodles. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. It’s the kind of dish that smells instantly amazing and tastes even better. Serve it topped with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and plenty of green onions for that fresh pop of flavor.

Top Tip

Over the years making this Sesame Tofu Ramen Noodles Recipe, I’ve learned a few handy tricks that elevate the dish from good to wow-worthy. They’ll save you time and ensure the perfect balance of flavors and textures every time.

Press your tofu well: Don’t skip pressing! It’s the key to getting those crispy edges without sogginess.
Let tofu brown undisturbed: Flip only once or twice—moving too much prevents that satisfying crisp surface.
Mix sauce thoroughly: Tahini and peanut butter can be stubborn; whisk them well so the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Don’t overcook noodles: Drain promptly to avoid mushy ramen; al dente texture holds up better in the sauce.

How to Serve Sesame Tofu Ramen Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

I always pile on crushed peanuts and toasted sesame seeds for crunch and extra sesame flavor. Green onions add freshness and a slight peppery bite that lifts the whole bowl wonderfully. Sometimes I toss in a few chili flakes if I’m craving more heat.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp cucumber salad or lightly steamed bok choy drizzled with sesame oil for some greens. For something heartier, a side of edamame sprinkled with sea salt is my go-to.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the noodles in individual ramen bowls with a beautiful swirl of sauce visible and a big sprinkle of vibrant garnishes on top. Adding a soft boiled egg or nori strips instantly levels up the presentation and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the garnishes separate and sprinkle them on just before serving to keep the texture fresh.

Freezing

I generally avoid freezing this particular recipe because the tofu and noodles lose their ideal texture after thawing, but if you must, freeze tofu and sauce separately to reheat gently later.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet on medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much. This method keeps the tofu crispy and the noodles nicely coated.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use soft tofu instead of firm tofu?

Soft tofu is too delicate and breaks down easily during cooking, so for this Sesame Tofu Ramen Noodles Recipe, extra-firm tofu is best to achieve that crispy texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and choose gluten-free ramen noodles or substitute with rice noodles to keep it gluten-free.

Is pressing the tofu really necessary?

Pressing tofu removes excess moisture and allows it to crisp up better. While optional, you’ll notice a significant improvement in texture if you take the time to press it for at least 15 minutes.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers complement the Sesame Tofu Ramen Noodles beautifully and add freshness and color. Just cook them separately and toss in at the end.

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Tofu Ramen Noodles Recipe is one of those dishes I go back to again and again because it’s both nourishing and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking tofu or looking for a fuss-free meal packed with texture and umami, this recipe truly delivers. Give it a try—you might just find your next favorite dinner to cozy up with.