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 (or light-tasting 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 peanut butter (natural); 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

Nothing beats the satisfying crunch of crispy tofu paired with the creamy, nutty sauce coating these noodles—it's why my Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe always feels like a little celebration in a bowl. The combo of textures and flavors makes it a standout weeknight dinner that's surprisingly easy to whip up.

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 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

I’ve made this dish more times than I can count because it hits all the right notes—crispy, creamy, savory, slightly sweet, and with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Plus, it’s totally customizable and comes together in about 30 minutes, which is perfect when life gets hectic.

Ultimate Crispy Tofu: Pressing and pan-frying the tofu creates that coveted golden crust every bite deserves.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: A smooth blend of tahini, peanut butter, and sriracha that’s both comforting and exciting.
Quick & Easy: You can go from zero to dinner in under half an hour without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Flexible & Customizable: Easily swap ingredients or adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds or pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component in this Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe plays a special role — from the sturdy tofu base to the silky, tangy sauce. Here’s why I pick these ingredients and some tips to make them shine in your kitchen.

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 high smoke point is perfect for frying tofu to crispy perfection without burning.
Extra-firm tofu: The best choice for pan-frying so it holds shape and gets beautifully crunchy.
Ramen noodles: I go for the fresh or dried kind without added seasoning packets for more control over flavor.
Peanuts: Adds a delightful crunch and a deeper layer to the nutty theme.
Sesame seeds: Toasted to bring out that warm, toasty aroma that’s classic in Asian dishes.
Green onions: They provide bright, fresh contrast and a lovely pop of color.
Tahini: Gives the dish a luscious creaminess with rich sesame undertones.
Peanut butter: Natural style blends seamlessly into the sauce without overpowering.
Soy sauce: Balances salty and umami notes that deepen the flavor.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a little goes a long way in contributing intense, nutty warmth.
Rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce with gentle acidity, cutting through richness.
Maple syrup: Adds a naturally sweet counterpoint to spice and salt.
Fresh garlic and ginger: Give the sauce a fresh, zesty backbone.
Sriracha: Adjust the heat to your liking for a subtle kick or more punch.

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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

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you’re leaning towards a more traditional peanut sauce or want to push the heat factor, there’s room to make it yours.

Variation: I sometimes swap peanuts for cashews, which adds a creamier crunch that pairs really well with the silky sauce.
Vegetables: Feeling fancy? Toss in some steamed broccoli or snap peas for a fresh green boost.
Spice level: If you’re not into heat, reduce or skip sriracha and add a bit more maple syrup to keep that sweet balance.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free ramen noodles to fit your needs.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu 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: Press and Crisp the Tofu

Start by pressing your tofu to squeeze out excess moisture — I wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy book or pan on top for about 15 minutes. This little step is optional but makes all the difference for achieving tofu that’s crispy on the outside and tender within. Heat avocado oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Lay in the tofu cubes and cook undisturbed for about 7–8 minutes until golden on one side. Flip carefully and cook another 4–5 minutes. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper while it's cooking to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Boil the Ramen Noodles

While the tofu crisps up, bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan and cook your ramen noodles following the package instructions. Usually, it takes just a few minutes—don’t overcook, or they’ll get mushy when tossed with the sauce. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, combine tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha. Whisk until smooth and silky—if it feels too thick, a splash of warm water can help you reach your perfect drizzle consistency.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the sauce directly into the skillet with your golden tofu. Toss in the cooked noodles and gently mix everything together, making sure each noodle and tofu piece is generously coated in that luscious sauce. Give it a quick toss so all those flavors get to mingle beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the crushed peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced green onions on top. These final touches add fresh crunch and nuttiness, amplifying every bite. Grab chopsticks or a fork, and dive in!

Top Tip

From years of making this Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that help perfect it every time. These little insights can save you time and frustration.

Press the tofu well: This step removes excess moisture so your tofu crisps up instead of sogging in the pan.
Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet: It makes flipping tofu cubes effortless without breaking them apart.
Toast sesame seeds yourself: A quick toast in a dry pan before sprinkling releases maximum flavor and aroma.
Mix sauce away from heat: Whisk the sauce ingredients separately before adding them to the hot skillet to avoid clumping.

How to Serve Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe

Sesame Ramen Noodles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top these noodles with a generous handful of crushed peanuts for crunch, sesame seeds for nuttiness, and lots of thinly sliced green onions to brighten the dish. Sometimes I add a few fresh cilantro leaves or a lime wedge on the side for a fresh zing.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing this recipe with steamed dumplings or a light cucumber salad to add some refreshing crispness and balance out the rich sauce. You could also serve with a simple miso soup for a full-on Asian-inspired meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the noodles in a pretty bowl and adding edible flowers or microgreens on top to elevate the look. Another fun idea is serving the tofu on skewers with the noodles on the side for a scroll-stopping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover noodles and tofu together in an airtight container in the fridge, but since the tofu tends to soften, I prefer to keep them separate if I plan to re-crisp the tofu later. Noodles can soak up sauce overnight, so a quick stir and splash of water help revive them.

Freezing

Honestly, I don’t usually freeze this dish because tofu’s texture changes on freezing and thawing. But if you do freeze, freeze tofu and noodles separately and reheat tofu in a hot skillet to bring back some crispness.

Reheating

Reheat noodles gently in a microwave with a splash of water or in a pan over low heat, tossing to loosen them. For tofu, I find reheating in a hot skillet restores some crunch—just heat oil and quickly crisp them before combining with noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular ramen noodles with seasoning packets?

For this Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe, I recommend skipping the seasoning packets because they can make the dish too salty and limit your control over flavor. Use plain ramen noodles and rely on the homemade sauce instead for a balanced taste.

How do I get tofu extra crispy without oil splattering everywhere?

Pressing the tofu well to remove moisture is the key to crispiness with less oil splatter. Also, heating your pan properly before adding oil and tofu helps create a barrier so the tofu doesn’t stick or puff up steam. A splatter guard can be handy too if you’re worried about mess.

Is this dish vegan and gluten-free?

This Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe is naturally vegan as it uses no animal products. For gluten-free, swap soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari and choose gluten-free ramen noodles; then it’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I meal prep this for lunch during the week?

Absolutely! It’s a fantastic meal prep dish since it keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Keep tofu and noodles separate if you want to maintain the tofu’s crispness and mix just before eating. The sauce flavors will deepen over time, making leftovers even tastier.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Sesame Ramen Noodles with Crispy Tofu Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something quick but still loaded with flavor and texture. It feels cozy without being heavy, and the best part is how flexible it is to suit whatever mood or ingredients you have on hand. So go ahead, give it a try—and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a favorite in your house too!