How to Make Tofu Noodles

Beautiful noodles

If you’re a fan of homemade noodles but want to try something a little different, tofu and flour noodles are a delicious twist that combines the best of both worlds. The tofu adds a delightful texture and subtle flavor, while the flour gives the noodles their traditional chewy bite. Whether you're looking for a plant-based twist on a classic noodle dish or just want to experiment in the kitchen, these tofu-infused noodles are perfect for everything from stir-fries to soups or classic pasta dishes.

Why Combine Tofu and Flour for Noodles?

Before jumping into the recipe, you might wonder: why use tofu in noodles? Here are a few reasons why this combination is a great idea:

• Protein Boost: Tofu is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, and when combined with flour, it gives the noodles a nutritional upgrade. This makes the dish more filling and satisfying.

• Texture: Tofu adds a soft, slightly chewy texture to the noodles that’s different from the traditional flour-only variety. This makes them a great addition to dishes where you want a little extra bite.

• Fluffiness: Tofu helps create a more tender noodle, making it perfect for dishes where you want your noodles to soak up sauce or broth, such as soups or stir-fries.

• Versatility: These noodles can be used in a variety of dishes, from Asian-inspired stir-fries to Italian pasta bowls. The possibilities are endless.

  
  

Ingredients

To make your tofu and flour noodles, you’ll need:

• 1 block of firm tofu (extra-firm is best)

• 2- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (you can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor

  
  

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

1. Press the tofu: Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place something heavy on top, check out my blog post on how to press tofu. This step helps to firm up the tofu, making it easier to work with in the dough.

2. Mash the tofu: Once the tofu has been pressed, use your hands or a fork to crumble it into small pieces. You’re aiming for a texture similar to ricotta cheese—small, soft crumbles.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. You can add a bit of garlic powder or onion powder here if you want some added flavor.

2. Add the tofu: Add the crumbled tofu to the bowl with the flour mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the tofu into the flour. The tofu will help bind the dough, so mix until the texture is even, and there are no large tofu clumps left.

3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, dust it lightly with more flour, but avoid adding too much at once.

** Last time i made these I put everything in my bosh and just whipped it together -THIS WAS MUCH EASIER..

Came together great in the Bosch.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Noodles

1. Roll out the dough: Once the dough is ready, roll it out into a thin sheet (about 1/8-inch thick). You can use a rolling pin or a pasta machine if you have one. The thinner the dough, the more delicate your noodles will be.

2. Cut the noodles: Once the dough is rolled out, use a sharp knife to cut it into strips of your desired width. You can go for traditional spaghetti-like noodles or wider ones for a more rustic, chewy texture.

*My kids loved helping cut the noodles.

Cut into thin strips

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for about 3–5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your noodles. Fresh homemade noodles cook much faster than store-bought ones, so keep an eye on them.

2. Drain and rinse: Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, drain them and rinse them under cool water to stop the cooking process. This will also help remove any excess starch.

   

   Cook for a few min.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your tofu and flour noodles are now ready to be served! Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy them:

• Stir-Fry: Toss the noodles in a hot pan with a bit of oil and your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and broccoli. Add soy sauce or your favorite stir-fry sauce for a quick, savory meal.

• Pasta Dish: Serve your noodles with marinara sauce, roasted veggies, and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan for a hearty, plant-based pasta dish.

• Soup: Drop your tofu noodles into a bowl of broth-based soup. They’ll soak up the flavors and add a delightful texture to your soup.

• Salad: For a light, refreshing dish, add your cooked noodles to a salad with fresh greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette.

  

  So versatile.

Tips for Perfect Tofu and Flour Noodles

• Use firm tofu: The key to these noodles is using firm or extra-firm tofu. Soft tofu will have too much moisture and won't give you the desired texture for your noodles.

• Don’t overcook the noodles: Homemade noodles cook quickly, so keep an eye on them while they’re boiling. Overcooking can lead to mushy noodles.

• Customize the flavor: If you want your noodles to have extra flavor, you can mix herbs or spices directly into the dough. Try adding a pinch of dried basil or thyme for an Italian flair or some chili flakes for heat.

• Make ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for a day or two before rolling it out. This can save you time when you’re ready to cook!

  
  

Final Thoughts

Tofu and flour noodles are an easy, delicious, and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta. They’re the perfect option for anyone looking to increase their plant-based protein intake or just want to try something new in the kitchen. With their soft, chewy texture and subtle tofu flavor, these noodles are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes.

So the next time you’re craving noodles, why not give this unique recipe a try? You might just discover your new favorite way to make homemade noodles!