Name: Sesame Ramen 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 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

There’s something so satisfying about slurping up a bowl of noodles drenched in a rich, nutty sauce—especially when topped with perfectly crispy tofu. This Sesame Ramen with Crispy Tofu Recipe hits that cozy spot with just the right balance of crunch, creaminess, and a little kick that keeps you coming back for more.

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 with Crispy Tofu Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sesame Ramen with Crispy Tofu Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sesame Ramen with Crispy Tofu Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Let me share why this Sesame Ramen with Crispy Tofu Recipe quickly became one of my go-to comfort dinners. It’s about simple ingredients coming together to create a surprisingly complex flavor profile, and the tofu that makes every bite texturally delightful. Plus, it’s quick enough to whip up on busy weeknights!

Effortless Flavor Boost: The sauce blends creamy tahini, nutty peanut butter, and a dash of sriracha for the perfect sweet-spicy balance.
Crispy Tofu Magic: Pressing and pan-frying tofu creates a golden crust that’s irresistible.
Customizable and Versatile: You can easily switch up the veggies, protein, or spice level to suit your mood.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes, perfect for busy cooks who don’t want to sacrifice taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays its part to elevate the final bowl. I love how the peanut butter adds richness while the rice vinegar cuts through with brightness. Here are some tips for picking and prepping the key players in this Sesame Ramen with Crispy Tofu Recipe:

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: It has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it perfect for frying tofu until crispy without burning.
Extra-firm tofu: The firmness helps the tofu hold its shape while cooking and crisping up nicely.
Ramen noodles: Quick-cooking and tender, they soak up the sauce beautifully. I usually pick the kind without seasoning packets to control flavors.
Peanuts: Crushing them adds a wonderful textural contrast to the soft noodles and tofu.
Sesame seeds: Toast these lightly for a nutty aroma and a little crunch on top.
Green onions: They add freshness and a pop of color that brightens the dish.
Tahini and peanut butter: These creamy pastes are the soul of the sauce—so rich and flavorful!
Soy sauce and toasted sesame oil: For that umami depth and authentic sesame flavor that noodles crave.
Rice vinegar: Adds acidity and balance to the richness of the nut butters.
Maple syrup: A touch of sweetness complements and softens the heat from the garlic, ginger, and sriracha.
Fresh garlic and ginger: They give the sauce a lively, aromatic punch.
Sriracha: Provides just enough heat — adjust to taste.

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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 things I love about this Sesame Ramen with Crispy Tofu Recipe is how flexible it can be. I often tweak the spice level based on my mood or swap out toppings to keep things interesting. Feel free to get creative—it’s all about what makes you happy!

Variation: I sometimes mix in sautéed mushrooms or baby bok choy for an extra veggie boost—that mild bitterness balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
Spice adjustment: If you’re not into heat, just dial back the sriracha, or for more kick, add a splash of chili oil on top after serving.
Protein swap: Try using tempeh or seitan if you want to experiment with texture, though tofu is my personal favorite here.
Nut-free option: Substitute tahini with sunflower seed butter and skip peanuts to keep it allergy-friendly without losing richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sesame Ramen 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 Prepare the Tofu

Start by pressing your tofu for about 15 minutes. This is a game changer—it squeezes out excess moisture so the tofu crisps beautifully in the pan instead of steaming. I wrap the block in a few kitchen towels and place a heavy skillet or cookbook on top. Patience here is key for that satisfying crunch!

Step 2: Pan-fry the Tofu Until Golden

Heat a tablespoon of avocado oil over medium heat in a non-stick or cast iron skillet. Lay the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 7 to 8 minutes—you want that gorgeous golden crust. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes. Salt and pepper go on last, just before adding the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Ramen Noodles

While your tofu is crisping, bring a pot of water to boil and cook the ramen noodles following the package directions. I usually drain and set them aside but keep a little of the cooking water—you might want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a bowl, combine tahini, natural peanut butter, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and sriracha. Whisk it well until smooth and creamy. This sauce is where the magic happens—rich, tangy, and just spicy enough.

Step 5: Toss, Serve, and Garnish

Pour the sauce over the tofu in the skillet, give everything a gentle toss, then add your drained noodles. Carefully mix so the noodles soak up all that goodness. Plate it up and sprinkle with crushed peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and green onion slices right before serving. Then dig in!

Top Tip

My experience with this Sesame Ramen with Crispy Tofu Recipe taught me that getting the tofu extra crispy really elevates the entire dish. Here are some tips to help you nail it every time:

Pressing is key: Don’t skip pressing your tofu! It removes moisture and helps the tofu develop a golden crust.
Don’t crowd the pan: Give tofu cubes enough space—this prevents steaming and ensures crispiness.
Low and steady heat: Medium heat is perfect; too hot and your tofu will burn before crisping through.
Toss gently: When mixing the sauce and noodles, be careful to keep the tofu cubes intact.

How to Serve Sesame Ramen with Crispy Tofu Recipe

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I love topping the dish with a handful of crushed peanuts for crunch, toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness, and lots of thinly sliced green onions for brightness and freshness. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the whole bowl right at the table.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this ramen with a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast, or some quick-pickled carrots if I want a tangy side. Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt also pairs wonderfully for a protein boost without competing with the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or when guests come over, I like to serve this Sesame Ramen with Crispy Tofu Recipe in individual bowls with layered garnishes. Arrange the green onions, peanuts, sesame seeds, and sriracha drizzle separately on top so everyone can customize their bowl—makes the meal interactive and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your ramen, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the tofu and noodles together with the sauce—they hold up well. Just give everything a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dish because the tofu’s texture changes a bit after freezing. However, you can freeze the sauce separately in an ice cube tray for easy future meals. Just thaw and warm it up to toss with freshly cooked noodles.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat or zap in the microwave. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of water or broth. I find that reheating slowly helps keep the tofu from getting rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different noodles for this Sesame Ramen with Crispy Tofu Recipe?

Absolutely! While ramen noodles are traditional and cook quickly, you can swap them for udon, soba, or even rice noodles depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What's the best way to make tofu extra crispy?

Pressing the tofu to remove water, then cooking it over medium heat in a generous amount of oil without overcrowding the pan is key. Let the tofu cook undisturbed to develop a golden crust before flipping.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your ramen noodles are gluten-free as well. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How spicy is this Sesame Ramen with Crispy Tofu Recipe?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the sriracha, but you can easily adjust it to your taste by adding more or less. I often add a little chili oil on top if I want extra heat without changing the sauce balance.

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Ramen with Crispy Tofu Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it marries simplicity with depth of flavor beautifully. It never fails to satisfy on chilly evenings or when I want something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—trust me, once you get that tofu perfectly crispy and the sauce just right, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation!