Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (2024)

Published: by Nisha Melvani, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

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This Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Tofu recipe is easy, quick, and budget-friendly. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, and weeknights. This noodle salad is gluten-free, with an option for oil-free.

this RECIPE

Crispy tofu, paired with crunchy veggies in a tangy dressing, is nothing short of delicious. Plus, this is a no-pot meal! Vermicelli noodles do not require cooking. Simply rehydrate them in boiled water from your kettle for a few minutes and you're all set!

This Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Tofu was inspired by my Simple Tofu Noodles recipe on this site, as well as this Edamame Quinoa Salad.

Jump to:
  • 👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
  • 🫑 Substitutions
  • 📖 How to Make Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Tofu
  • 💡 Expert Tips
  • 🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
  • 🍽 Related Recipes
  • 👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (2)
  • Vermicelli noodles are fine noodles made from ground rice. Use brown rice noodles for more fiber and nutrients.
  • Chopped roasted peanuts add a welcomed crunch, as well as protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats.
  • Carrots and green cabbage are budget-friendly, nutrient-loaded, and delectable with the Asian-inspired dressing.
Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (3)
Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (4)
  • Extra firm tofu works well for the crispy tofu but must be pressed for about 25 minutes beforehand for best results. Alternatively, you can use super firm tofu (Nasoya and Wildwood) which requires no pressing. This is the most convenient option. It comes pre-pressed and contains the highest amount of protein.
  • Sesame oil (optional): While oil is not necessary with an air fryer, a little goes a long way for getting the tofu extra crispy.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🫑 Substitutions

  • Bell pepper - add thinly sliced yellow, red, or orange bell pepper in place of some or all of the cabbage or carrots
  • Nuts & seeds - use your choice of chopped nuts or seeds in place of the peanuts
  • Noodles - substitute the vermicelli noodles with other rice or buckwheat noodles
  • Chili oil - Use my homemade chili crisp recipe instead of chili oil. Chili crisp has a nuanced, umami-rich flavor. Or omit the chili oil entirely for nonspicy.
  • White pepper - adds a mild peppery bite without black flecks, but feel free to use black pepper instead

You might also enjoy this on my website! Visit my Vegan Salads Recipes page for more quick and easy salad dinner ideas.

📖 How to Make Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Tofu

Preparation: Press the tofu or use pre-pressed super firm tofu. If you do not own an air fryer, preheat the oven to 425ºF.

Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (5)

Step 1. Toss the cubes until they are evenly coated with the seasonings. Transfer them to an air fryer basket, or a baking sheet if using an oven.

Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (6)

Step 2. Place the tofu in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (7)

Step 3. Rehydrate the noodles in boiling water according to the directions on the packet.

Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (8)

Step 4. Prepare the dressing.

Add the carrots, cabbage, peanuts, cilantro, and the dressing to a large bowl. Mix the ingredients until fully incorporated before folding in the tofu cubes. Garnish with more cilantro, and chopped peanuts for serving as desired.

💡 Expert Tips

  • Chopping: The quickest way to shred the carrots and cabbage is using a food processor. This is a significant time saver, especially if you are making large quantities of noodle salad for meal prep. Use the shredder disc for this purpose.
  • Vermicelli noodles do not require cooking. Rehydrate them in boiling water according to the directions on the packet. If the noodles soak too long, they will be soft and mushy.
  • Storage: Refrigerate any remaining vermicelli salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you plan on having leftovers, you can add the tofu for serving and refrigerate any remaining in a separate container. This way, you have the option of reheating the tofu in an oven or air fryer for serving.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

How do you cook vermicelli noodles so they do not stick?

Place the dried noodles into a large heat-proof mixing bowl. Pour boiling water over them so they are fully submerged. Stir every minute or so to loosen. Submerge for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until tender, tasting often for doneness. Do not overcook. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Drizzle with sesame oil if not using right away. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth until ready to use.

Can this recipe be made oil-free?

Yes! Omit the sesame oil and chili oil from the air fryer tofu recipe, and the noodle salad dressing.

How do I get tofu crispy?

Cornstarch or arrowroot starch makes tofu extra crispy. Arrowroot is less processed, but it can get a little slimy when added to a dish with a lot of moisture, such as a curry. Cornstarch yields the crispiest results. In addition, adding a little oil to the seasoning gets the tofu even crisper.
Make sure not to overcrowd the cubes. Hot air must readily pass between to get them crispy. Toss the tofu halfway to ensure even cooking on all sides. An air fryer yields the best results, but an oven works too.

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👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?

Please leave a review for Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Tofu and share your creation with me onInstagram. It makes my day to see you recreate my recipes.

I would love it if you would ⭐️ rate this recipe and leave a comment. Thank you in advance.

📖 Recipe

Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (13)

Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Tofu

Nisha Melvani

Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Tofu is easy, quick, and budget-friendly. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, and weeknights. Gluten-free, with an option for oil-free.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Salad

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 4 people

Calories 483 kcal

Ingredients

For the tofu:

  • 16 ounces extra firm tofu pressed, cut into ¾-inch pieces (1 16-ounce block)
  • ½ tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon chili oil sauce or chili crisp (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot starch
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil or neutral cooking oil

For the salad:

  • 3 ounces dried vermicelli noodles (about 2 cakes)
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro
  • ½ cup roasted peanuts chopped

For the dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 ½ teaspoons chili oil sauce or chili crisp (optional)
  • 1 large garlic clove

Instructions

  • Season the tofu: Place the tofu cubes in a large bowl. Add the soy sauce, and chili oil. Toss the cubes until they are evenly coated. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss until the cubes are evenly coated with the seasonings.

  • Cook the tofu:

    Air fryer: Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400ºF for 10 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes to move the cubes around so they cook evenly. Continue cooking as needed until the desired crispiness.

    Oven: Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Bake the tofu on a nonstick baking sheet in a single layer for 10 minutes. Toss the cubes so they cook evenly. Bake for about 10 minutes more, or until golden brown.

  • Rehydrate the dried noodles. Place them in a large heat-proof mixing bowl. Pour boiling hot water over them so they are fully submerged. Stir every minute or so to loosen. Soak according to the timing on the packet, or until tender, tasting often for doneness. Do not overcook. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Drizzle with sesame oil if not using right away. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth until ready to use.

  • Combine the noodles, cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and peanuts in a large bowl.

  • Make the dressing: Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and chili oil to a medium jar with a lid. Press or grate the garlic into the jar. Cover and shake until all the ingredients are incorporated. Or mix in a medium bowl.

  • Assemble: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well until fully incorporated. Add the tofu and toss to combine.

Notes

  • Oil-free: Oil is not necessary, but a little goes a long way for getting the tofu extra crispy. However, feel free to omit the chili and sesame oils from the tofu and dressing.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Use super firm tofu (Nasoya, Wildwood brands) which are pre-pressed to save time.

Nutrition

Calories: 483kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 480mg | Potassium: 541mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 8188IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 2mg

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Primla Goddard

    Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (18)
    Great simple yet so tasty meal for lunch and requires little cooking time. The noodles just need some hot water poured over them and the tofu placed on a baking sheet after being coated. Cut up your veggies and you are good to go. Lovely crunchy taste with lots of protein.

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani

      Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (19)
      It's a fave. So glad you enjoy these recipes. Thank you.

      Reply

  2. Neena Chandiramani

    Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (20)
    Enjoying making this recipe!

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani

      Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (21)
      Yay! Makes me happy to hear.

      Reply

Vermicelli Noodle Salad With Tofu Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are vermicelli noodles healthy? ›

One of the main health benefits of vermicelli is its low-fat content. This makes it an ideal food for weight loss and weight management. However, vermicelli is not just low in calories, it also provides you with nutrients that are required for maintaining good health.

What are vermicelli noodles made from? ›

In Southeast Asia, the term rice vermicelli refers to the long thin strands of white noodles with rounded edges made from rice flour and water that easily absorb the flavors from sauces, soups and seasonings. They come in fresh and dried forms, with the dried form needing rehydration to become edible.

How many calories are in a vermicelli noodle salad? ›

This is a refreshing Vermicelli Noodle Salad that is quick to make and super healthy at only 170 calories per serving!

How long do you cook vermicelli noodles for? ›

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil; stir in rice noodles and return to a boil. Cook until al dente, 2 to 3 minutes; try not to overcook as they will become mushy. Drain.

Do you soak vermicelli noodles in hot or cold water? ›

Rice noodles are very easy for home cooks to make — simply soak them in warm water (not cold water, not hot water) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are soft. Unlike wheat pasta, you don't need to boil rice noodles; the warm water is enough to cook them through.

Can diabetics eat vermicelli? ›

Vermicelli mainly consists of carbohydrates. It is a medium glycemic index food, which means it takes only a moderate amount of time for the food to be converted into sugars. Vermicelli as such can be included in your diabetes diet plan; however, one has to control the portion sizes.

Is vermicelli good for fat loss? ›

It has a high fiber content, easy to digest, and is filling. Vermicelli is good for weight loss since it does not include high-calorie ingredients, unlike oil and dairy products. Incorporating vegetables with vermicelli can lower the calorie density of the dish, which is an essential criterion for weight loss.

Is vermicelli good for high cholesterol? ›

Foods that have lower glycemic index means it takes longer for those foods to raise a person's blood sugar levels. Vermicelli is fat and cholesterol free. Keep your heart healthy and go for vermicelli. Low cholesterol foods decrease our risk of heart disease while fat-free foods have lower calories overall.

Is vermicelli a junk food? ›

Vermicelli itself is not classified as junk food. It is a type of pasta made from wheat flour or other grains and can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and prepared in a healthy way.

Is vermicelli Italian or Chinese? ›

There are two main types of vermicelli: Italian (just plain “vermicelli”) and Asian(aka “rice vermicelli”). But there are some other specific ways to separate these strands too.

Which vermicelli is best? ›

Here're the 10 Best Vermicelli Brands in India
Company NameCity
Eagle IndustriesDelhi, India
Vml ExportsSalem, India
Vishuddha Nutriol Private LimitedAlwar, India
Ambika Kutir UdyogDarbhanga, Bihar, India
6 more rows
Mar 12, 2024

Are vermicelli noodles healthier than rice? ›

Rice noodles tend to be lower in calories and fat, making them a suitable choice for those watching their weight. They also contain less protein but offer comparable amounts of carbohydrates. Vermicelli, being wheat-based, has slightly higher protein content and can provide more sustained energy.

Can you eat vermicelli noodles cold? ›

Although one might assume that spaghetti and other pasta dishes should be served hot, Vietnamese vermicelli dishes are just as likely to be served cold. This might be in a summer roll, perhaps with prawns or pork, and then tossed with salads and spices.

Why is vermicelli so high in calories? ›

Most of the calories in the vermicelli rice noodles come from carbs. A 2-ounce serving contains 47 grams of carbs. As your primary source of energy, carbs should provide most of your day's calories — 45 to 65 percent.

Are vermicelli noodles just rice noodles? ›

Rice vermicelli is a thin form of noodle. It is sometimes referred to as "rice noodles" or "rice sticks", but should not be confused with cellophane noodles, a different Asian type of vermicelli made from mung bean starch or rice starch rather than rice grains themselves.

Should you boil vermicelli noodles? ›

The problem is, boiling of the water agitates the delicate noodles too much which can either easily overcook it or just agitate the starches to make it super goopy. So how do you cook vermicelli noodles and make it right every time? Soak it! Soaking the noodles makes the texture perfectly springy.

Can you cook vermicelli noodles in boiling water? ›

Vietnamese rice vermicelli are thick and round, similar to spaghetti. They are cooked by boiling in hot water just like pasta (timing varies depending on the size) then rinsed in cold water to remove excess starch.

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