Name: Delicious Vegan Teriyaki Noodle Bowl
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: For the Crispy Tofu:; 1 (14-16 oz / 400-450g) block Extra-Firm Tofu: Pressed well and cut into ¾-inch cubes for the best texture.; 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (or Tamari for Gluten-Free): Adds savoury depth and helps the tofu brown.; 1 tbsp Cornstarch: Creates that desirable crispy coating.; 1 tbsp Neutral Oil (like Avocado or Canola): For pan-frying or baking the tofu to golden perfection.; For the Teriyaki Sauce:; ½ cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (or Tamari for Gluten-Free): The savoury backbone of the sauce.; ½ cup Water (or Vegetable Broth): Provides volume and balances the saltiness.; ¼ cup Maple Syrup (or Agave Nectar): Adds the characteristic sweetness; adjust to your preference.; 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar: Provides a subtle tanginess to cut through the sweetness.; 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic depth (use sparingly, it’s potent).; 2 cloves Garlic: Minced finely for pungent flavour.; 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger: Grated or minced finely for a warm, spicy kick.; 1 tbsp Cornstarch: Mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry) to thicken the sauce.; Optional: Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat.; For the Noodle Bowl Assembly:; 8 oz (225g) Noodles: Udon, soba, ramen, or even spaghetti work well. Choose your favourite!; 1 tbsp Neutral Oil: For sautéing the vegetables.; 1 large head Broccoli: Cut into small florets for quick cooking.; 2 medium Carrots: Peeled and julienned or thinly sliced diagonally.; 1 Red Bell Pepper: Seeded and thinly sliced for colour and sweetness.; 4–5 Green Onions: Thinly sliced, whites and greens separated.; 1 cup Edamame (Shelled, fresh or frozen): Adds a pop of green and extra protein.; Optional Garnish: Toasted Sesame Seeds, Extra Sliced Green Onions.

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, nutritious meal that’s completely plant-based, then look no further than this Vegan Teriyaki Noodle Bowl. Bursting with flavors from the savory teriyaki sauce, crispy tofu, and an array of colorful vegetables, this dish is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds! What makes it even better is its simplicity—perfect for busy weeknights or a meal prep session on Sunday. With a mere 30-45 minutes needed for preparation and cooking, you can serve a satisfying or nutritious dinner that your whole family will enjoy.

The heart of this noodle bowl is the crispy tofu. When cooked properly, it provides a rich texture and helps soak up the flavors of the teriyaki sauce beautifully. Whether you choose to pan-fry it for an irresistibly crispy finish or bake it to health-conscious perfection, this versatile protein easily takes center stage in this delicious dish. Pair that with comforting noodles and a vibrant mix of vegetables, and you have an incredibly satisfying meal that not only tastes good but is good for you too!

In today’s fast-paced world, recipes like this one make it easy to adopt a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing flavor or excitement. Enjoy the homemade teriyaki sauce, which showcases the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy notes, complementing the wholesome ingredients while encouraging you to experiment with different flavors. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this fantastic Vegan Teriyaki Noodle Bowl!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Teriyaki Noodle Bowl

Flavor Explosion: The savory teriyaki sauce and crispy tofu balance beautifully with fresh vegetables.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners, it can be ready in about 30-45 minutes.
High in Protein: Packed with protein from tofu and edamame, it’s filling without being heavy.
Customizable: Use your favorite noodles and vegetables to create a bowl that’s uniquely yours.
Plant-Based Goodness: Completely vegan and gluten-free options available!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking realm, setting up your kitchen for success is vital. Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. This includes a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife for chopping vegetables, measuring cups for precise measurements, and mixing bowls for tossing the tofu and creating the sauce. Having everything within reach not only keeps the cooking process smooth but also minimizes stress.

For cooking the tofu, you can choose between pan-frying and baking. If opting for pan-frying, a large non-stick skillet or wok is essential to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking. If baking, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze. You will also need a medium saucepan for the teriyaki sauce, a whisk for blending, and a pot for boiling the noodles. Having all the tools at hand will streamline the entire cooking process.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Tofu:
1 (14-16 oz / 400-450g) block Extra-Firm Tofu: Pressed well and cut into ¾-inch cubes for the best texture.
2 tbsp Soy Sauce (or Tamari for Gluten-Free): Adds savoury depth and helps the tofu brown.
1 tbsp Cornstarch: Creates that desirable crispy coating.
1 tbsp Neutral Oil (like Avocado or Canola): For pan-frying or baking the tofu to golden perfection.
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
½ cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (or Tamari for Gluten-Free): The savoury backbone of the sauce.
½ cup Water (or Vegetable Broth): Provides volume and balances the saltiness.
¼ cup Maple Syrup (or Agave Nectar): Adds the characteristic sweetness; adjust to your preference.
2 tbsp Rice Vinegar: Provides a subtle tanginess to cut through the sweetness.
1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic depth (use sparingly, it’s potent).
2 cloves Garlic: Minced finely for pungent flavour.
1 tbsp Fresh Ginger: Grated or minced finely for a warm, spicy kick.
1 tbsp Cornstarch: Mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry) to thicken the sauce.
Optional: Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat.
For the Noodle Bowl Assembly:
8 oz (225g) Noodles: Udon, soba, ramen, or even spaghetti work well. Choose your favourite!
1 tbsp Neutral Oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
1 large head Broccoli: Cut into small florets for quick cooking.
2 medium Carrots: Peeled and julienned or thinly sliced diagonally.
1 Red Bell Pepper: Seeded and thinly sliced for colour and sweetness.
4–5 Green Onions: Thinly sliced, whites and greens separated.
1 cup Edamame (Shelled, fresh or frozen): Adds a pop of green and extra protein.
Optional Garnish: Toasted Sesame Seeds, Extra Sliced Green Onions.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

To make the crispy tofu, start by pressing it for at least 30 minutes. Take a block of tofu and place it on a plate lined with paper towels, covering it with more towels before placing a heavy object on top—this can be anything from a cast iron skillet to a few heavy books. This step is crucial as it helps to eliminate excess moisture, making the tofu crispier when cooked. Once the tofu has been pressed, cut it into ¾-inch cubes for even cooking.

Step 2: Coat the Tofu

In a medium bowl, add the pressed tofu cubes and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari. Gently toss the tofu until completely coated. After that, sprinkle the cornstarch directly over the cubes and toss again carefully, ensuring the tofu is lightly dusted. This coating helps achieve that crispy texture we desire.

Step 3: Cook the Tofu

You can choose to cook the tofu either by pan-frying or baking. For a crispy finish, pan-frying is recommended. Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the tofu cubes in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry the tofu for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until each side is golden and crispy. Alternatively, for baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the tofu cubes on a lined baking sheet; bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

While your tofu is cooking, bring a large pot of water to boil. Add your choice of noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they reach an al dente texture. Drain the noodles thoroughly, and for a smooth finish, you may rinse them briefly under cold water. Drizzle a small amount of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking if they’ll be sitting for a few minutes while you finish up.

Step 5: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, water, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If you want a little heat, add red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat while whisking occasionally to blend all flavors. In a separate bowl, create a slurry by combining the last tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly pour this slurry into the pan while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to heat until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Remember, it will thicken further as it cools.

Step 6: Sauté the Vegetables

After the tofu is cooked, use the same skillet, wiping it briefly. Adding the remaining tablespoon of oil, heat over medium-high heat. First, add in the broccoli florets and julienned carrots—stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes until they soften yet remain vibrant. Then, add thinly sliced red bell peppers along with the white parts of the green onions, stir-frying them for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring a tender-crisp texture. Frozen edamame (if using) can be added during the last minute to warm up; fresh ones go in with the peppers.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

With the vegetables sautéed and your noodles cooked, it’s time to combine everything! In the skillet, add your cooked noodles and crispy tofu, along with about two-thirds of the prepared teriyaki sauce. Using tongs or two large spoons, gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring everything is well-coated without mashing the tofu or noodles. Cook everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes until all ingredients are warm and glossy with sauce. If the dish seems dry, drizzle in more teriyaki sauce to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Finally, divide the delicious Vegan Teriyaki Noodle Bowl mixture into individual serving bowls. For extra flavor, drizzle any remaining teriyaki sauce over the top. Garnish generously with the reserved green parts of the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy your vibrant and mouthwatering bowl!

Variations

Protein: Substitute tofu with tempeh or seitan for varied textures and flavors.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other veggies such as snap peas, bok choy, or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
Spices: Experiment with different spices or hot sauces if you love some heat; try adding a tbsp of sriracha to the sauce!

Cooking Notes

Pressing the tofu is essential for optimal crispiness.
Cooking times may vary based on your stove and the thickness of your tofu, so keep an eye on it!

Serving Suggestions

Serve with pickled ginger and a sprinkle of nori for an authentic Asian touch.
Pair with a light side salad to enhance the meal’s freshness.

Tips

If you have some leftover teriyaki sauce, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week to use in other meals!
Customize the noodle bowl to your taste; if you prefer a specific noodle type, feel free to switch out the noodles as desired!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, you can make this Vegan Teriyaki Noodle Bowl entirely gluten-free!

Can I prep the tofu in advance?

Absolutely! Press the tofu and marinate it in soy sauce a day ahead for enhanced flavor and texture.

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze this noodle bowl?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the tofu and teriyaki sauce separately for up to 1 month for later use.

Conclusion

This Vegan Teriyaki Noodle Bowl is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings together bright colors, vibrant flavors, and wholesome ingredients. From the necessity of pressing tofu for the perfect crisp to the delightful outcomes of your homemade teriyaki sauce, this recipe is a testament to the wonders of plant-based cooking. Simplifying healthy eating, one serving at a time, it’s an achievement you’re sure to relish. Try it out and share your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to experiment with variations, as each twist creates a new culinary adventure.