This is one of those meals that feels super chill to make but tastes like something from a fancy lunch spot.
It’s fresh, nutty, savory, and has the best textures.
The crispy tofu and nutty sesame dressing make it feel satisfying, and the soba noodles keep things light and slurpable.
I could eat this every week.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
I started making this when I was craving takeout but didn’t want to spend money. Turns out, homemade hits harder—and you get leftovers!
- The sesame dressing is bold, creamy, and addicting
- Crispy tofu adds protein and texture
- It’s great warm or cold
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep
- Comes together fast with minimal fuss
🍽 Servings & Time
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
🔢 Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 17g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science
- Soba noodles hold up well, even when chilled
- Tofu gets crispy when cooked in oil and cornstarch
- Toasted sesame oil gives rich, nutty depth
- Rice vinegar and soy sauce balance flavor with acid and salt
🛒 What You’ll Need
For the Salad
- 8 oz soba noodles
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking tofu)
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
For the Sesame Dressing
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Medium pot
- Skillet or nonstick pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs or chopsticks
- Cutting board & knife
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap tofu for tempeh or edamame
- Use peanut butter instead of tahini
- Add cucumber or bell peppers for more crunch
- Make it spicy with chili oil or sriracha
- Use gluten-free tamari for a gluten-free version
🧊 Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook tofu and noodles ahead and store separately
- Make the dressing up to 3 days in advance
- Assemble right before serving for best texture
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Soba Noodles
Boil a pot of water and cook the soba noodles according to package instructions, usually 4–5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and remove extra starch.
2. Prep and Coat the Tofu
Pat the tofu cubes dry. Toss them in a bowl with cornstarch until evenly coated.
3. Cook the Tofu
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until all sides are golden and crispy, about 10–12 minutes.
4. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and water until smooth and creamy
5. Assemble the Sala
In a large bowl, combine soba noodles, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, and tofu. Pour the sesame dressing over and toss well to coat.
6. Finish & Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water or extra dressing before serving if it dries out.
📅 Meal Plan Ideas
- Lunch prep: Pack in containers with extra dressing
- Dinner side: Great with grilled eggplant or mushrooms
- Quick meal: Top with avocado or crushed peanuts for more texture
- Potluck friendly: Serve chilled as a fresh noodle salad
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Not rinsing soba noodles—they get gummy
- Overcrowding the tofu in the pan—it won’t crisp up
- Skipping the sesame oil—it adds a lot of flavor
- Forgetting to press the tofu—waterlogged tofu won’t crisp
🍽 What to Serve With
- Miso soup
- Grilled or roasted veggies
- Cucumber salad
- Seaweed salad
- Steamed dumplings
❓ FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soba noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Can I eat this warm?
Totally! It’s great warm, cold, or room temp.
Can I bake the tofu instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 mins, flipping halfway.
🥄 Final Thoughts
This tofu & sesame soba salad is cozy, flavorful, and just the right kind of nourishing. Whether you need a quick lunch or a solid meal prep option, this one’s a keeper.
Try it out and let me know what you think—I love hearing how you make it your own!