The Vibrant Vegan Noodle Bowl is a celebration of fresh, colorful ingredients. It’s packed with crunchy veggies, hearty noodles, and a zesty sauce that ties it all together. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for a lighter, plant-based meal, this bowl is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep!
A Simple Recipe for Busy Days
When life gets busy, the Vibrant Vegan Noodle Bowl comes to the rescue. It’s quick to throw together and requires only a handful of common ingredients. You can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftovers. The recipe is perfect for anyone who loves meals that are as easy to prepare as they are satisfying to eat.
A Healthy Meal That Satisfies
This dish is more than just delicious—it’s good for you, too! The Vibrant Vegan Noodle Bowl is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein. Ingredients like carrots, bell peppers, and spinach add a rainbow of nutrients to your plate. It’s a wholesome choice that fuels your body while keeping things light and fresh.
Perfect for Sharing
One of the best things about the Vibrant Vegan Noodle Bowl is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it in a big bowl and let everyone dig in, or portion it out for a grab-and-go meal. Either way, you’ll love how simple and enjoyable it is to share something so tasty.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Vibrant Vegan Noodle Bowl
- Prepare Ahead: To save time, press the tofu ahead of time and prep the veggies in advance by slicing and julienning them.
- Crispy Tofu Secrets: For maximum crispiness, pat the tofu cubes dry after pressing and cook them in a well-heated pan without crowding. A cast-iron skillet can also be used for even browning.
- Customizable Sauce: Adjust the sauce to your taste—add a touch of maple syrup for sweetness or sriracha for heat. Let the sauce sit longer to intensify flavors.
- Veggie Swaps: Use whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, snap peas, or even shredded cabbage make excellent additions.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanuts and cashews with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative that still adds crunch.
- Prevent Sticky Noodles: After cooking, rinse rice noodles in cold water and toss them with a bit of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together.
- Enhance the Presentation: Arrange the toppings artfully in the bowl before adding the sauce to make the dish visually appealing.
- Storage Tip: Keep the tofu and sauce separate if storing leftovers. Combine just before eating to maintain the tofu’s crispiness.
- Protein Boost: Add edamame or chickpeas for an extra protein punch if needed.
Vibrant Vegan Noodle Bowl
Discover the ultimate Vegan Crispy Tofu Noodle Bowl that’s both quick and delicious! Perfect for busy weeknights, this vibrant dish combines perfectly textured tofu with a medley of fresh vegetables and savory rice noodles, all tossed in a mouthwatering vegan sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just starting your vegan journey, this customizable recipe lets you use whatever veggies you have on hand, making it both affordable and versatile. Dive into this healthy, colorful bowl that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you energized. Get ready to impress yourself with this easy, nutritious, and flavorful meal!
4
bowls15
minutes20
minutes498
kcal5
minutes40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Noodles
8 ounces rice noodles
- Tofu
14 ounces firm tofu pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
- Toppings
3 large carrots peeled and julienned
1 ripe avocado diced
1 cup fresh radishes thinly sliced
fresh basil and dill to taste
1/2 cup toasted peanuts and cashews roughly chopped
1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- Sauce
3 tablespoons vegan fish sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Alternative Ingredients:
Vegan Fish Sauce: Substitute with soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami flavor.
Firm Tofu: Can use tempeh or seitan for different textures.
Rice Noodles: Substitute with quinoa noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb option.
Peanuts and Cashews: Replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for nut-free alternatives.
Basil and Dill: Can be substituted with cilantro or mint if fresh herbs are limited.
Soy Sauce: Use coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Sesame Oil: Can use olive oil for a different flavor profile.
Directions
- Prepare Sauce – In a small bowl or jar, combine the vegan fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce. Whisk thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well mixed. Let the sauce sit while you prepare the other components to allow the flavors to meld (5 minutes).
- Cook Noodles – Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles using a colander and set them aside. For extra flavor, you can rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking (10 minutes).
- Cook Tofu – Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds. Add the tofu cubes and cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side or until they achieve a golden-brown crust. Season with sea salt after cooking and remove them from the pan to set aside. For added crunch, ensure the pan is not overcrowded (8 minutes).
- Assemble Bowl – Divide the cooked rice noodles into four bowls. Top each bowl with the crispy tofu, julienned carrots, diced avocado, sliced radishes, fresh herbs, toasted peanuts and cashews, and red onion. Feel free to add additional veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra nutrition and color (5 minutes).
- Serve with Sauce – Generously pour the prepared sauce over each assembled bowl, ensuring the noodles and tofu are well coated. Gently toss the ingredients if desired to distribute the sauce evenly. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Vegan Crispy Tofu Noodle Bowl (2 minutes).
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Nonstick Pan
- jar
- pot
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- vegetable peeler
- colander
Notes
- Ensure the tofu is thoroughly pressed to achieve maximum crispiness. For added flavor, marinate the tofu in a bit of soy sauce before cooking. Feel free to customize the bowl with your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers. Toasting the nuts and seeds enhances their flavor and crunch, so don’t skip this step. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed greens or a light miso soup. To make it even more nutritious, consider adding some leafy greens like spinach or kale. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days for a quick meal option.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 498kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Vitamin A: 1200IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQ- Vibrant Vegan Noodle Bowl
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure that your rice noodles are certified gluten-free.
How do I keep the tofu crispy after cooking?
Avoid covering the tofu or letting it sit in a sauce for too long before serving. For the crispiest texture, add it to the bowl right before eating.
Can I meal-prep this dish?
Absolutely! Store the components separately—noodles, tofu, veggies, and sauce—to prevent sogginess. Assemble and combine just before serving.
What can I substitute for vegan fish sauce?
You can use soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos as a substitute. Adding a splash of lime juice or miso paste can help replicate the umami flavor.
What’s the best way to toast the nuts
Toast the peanuts and cashews in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds crunch to the dish.
