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Spicy sesame ramen with chargrilled tofu, pak choi & beansprouts

Spicy sesame ramen with chargrilled tofu, pak choi & beansprouts
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A vibrant and nourishing bowl of spicy sesame ramen featuring chargrilled tofu, fresh pak choi, and crunchy beansprouts. This plant-based, quick, and flavorful recipe balances nutty sesame, smoky tofu, spicy broth, and crisp vegetables to create a wholesome and customizable meal perfect for any day.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Main Ingredients

  • 200g firm tofu, pressed and sliced into thick slabs
  • 150g ramen noodles (fresh or dried; or rice noodles for gluten-free option)
  • 100g pak choi, roughly chopped
  • 50g fresh beansprouts

Broth & Flavorings

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1–2 tbsp chili paste or chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 750ml vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce if needed)

Finishing Touches

  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional garnishes: chopped spring onions, chili oil drizzle, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tofu: Press the firm tofu to remove excess water, then slice into thick slabs. Brush the tofu with sesame oil and a touch of soy sauce. Chargrill the tofu on a hot pan or grill for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and slightly smoky to develop a rich texture and flavor.
  2. Make the Broth: In a pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add chili paste or flakes and stir-fry briefly to release their aroma. Pour in vegetable broth and soy sauce, then simmer gently to develop a spicy, flavorful base.
  3. Cook the Noodles and Vegetables: Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions until just tender. While broth is simmering, briefly blanch the pak choi in the hot broth to soften slightly while retaining its vibrant color and crunch.
  4. Assemble the Bowl: Place the cooked noodles in serving bowls. Ladle over the spicy sesame broth, then top with chargrilled tofu, blanched pak choi, and a generous handful of fresh beansprouts. Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds over the top for added crunch and nuttiness.

Notes

  • Press Your Tofu Well: Removing moisture helps tofu grill evenly and become crispy.
  • Toast Sesame Seeds Thoroughly: Light toasting enhances their nuttiness and flavor.
  • Balance the Spice: Adjust chili paste or flakes gradually to suit your preferred heat level.
  • Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Fresh aromatics provide a more vibrant broth than powders.
  • Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Keep pak choi and beansprouts crunchy for optimal texture contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy sesame ramen, chargrilled tofu, pak choi, beansprouts, vegan ramen, plant-based protein, gluten-free ramen

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/spicy-sesame-ramen-with-chargrilled-tofu-pak-choi-beansprouts/