There’s something incredibly satisfying about a stir-fry that combines crispy, tangy flavors with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables. When I first experimented with this crispy chia tofu and brussels sprouts stir-fry, I never imagined it would become a weeknight staple in my home. The moment that hoisin sauce coats those golden, chia-crusted tofu slices, I can’t help but feel a spark of magic in the kitchen.
With the season changing and our cravings shifting toward something heartier, this dish brings together the warmth of family-friendly dinners and the kick of sriracha. The combination of nutty soba noodles and vibrant, shredded brussels sprouts not only makes for a visually captivating plate but also ensures a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick meal after a long day or impressing guests with an eye-catching feast, this stir-fry is versatile enough for any occasion. Ready to dive in? Let’s transform pantry staples into a feast that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why will you love this crispy chia tofu and brussels sprouts stir-fry?
Irresistible flavors: The blend of hoisin and sriracha creates a sweet and spicy sauce that’s purely addictive.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in a flash, with minimal prep and cook time.
Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with brussels sprouts and spinach, this dish is not just tasty; it’s nutrient-rich, too!
A Visual Delight: The vibrant colors and textures make this stir-fry truly eye-catching on the dinner table.
Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied and happy.
Versatile Dish: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins for a personalized touch; this dish adapts beautifully!
Crispy Chia Tofu and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry Ingredients
For the Sauce
• Hoisin sauce – a rich, sweet base that balances the flavors in your crispy chia tofu and brussels sprouts stir-fry.
• Sriracha hot chilli sauce – adds the perfect kick; adjust the amount to match your heat preference.
• Water – thins out the sauce to ensure perfect coating and flavor distribution.
For the Noodles
• Soba noodles – these nutty-flavored noodles serve as a delicious foundation for your dish.
For the Tofu
• Firm tofu – provides the ideal texture; press it to remove excess moisture for maximum crispiness.
• Black chia seeds – not only add crunch but also boost nutritional value; can be replaced with sesame seeds if desired.
For the Veggies
• Brussels sprouts – shred them for a tender, crispy texture that complements the tofu beautifully.
• Garlic – infuses the dish with aromatic flavor; fresh is best for maximum potency.
• Bird’s-eye chilli – adds heat and a pop of color; adjust quantity to taste.
• Green onions (scallions) – provide freshness and garnish; cut them for cooking and finely shred for topping.
• Baby spinach leaves – a healthy addition that wilts beautifully and adds vibrant color.
For Serving
• Extra sriracha – serve on the side for those who like an extra kick.
• Extra green onions, finely shredded – sprinkle on top for added freshness and crunch!
How to Make Crispy Chia Tofu and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry
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Combine the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, sriracha, and water. Stir until well combined, creating a flavorful base for your stir-fry.
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Cook the Noodles: Bring a saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Add the soba noodles and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender. Drain, then rinse thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
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Heat the Wok: Place a large wok or frying pan over high heat and pour in half the sesame oil. Let it warm up until shimmering, preparing for those tasty ingredients.
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Prepare the Tofu: Brush both sides of the sliced tofu with the hoisin mixture. Press one side into the black chia seeds for added texture. Cook in the hot wok for 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from heat and keep warm on a plate.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same wok, add the remaining sesame oil, followed by the shredded brussels sprouts, garlic, bird’s-eye chilli, and green onions. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the veggies begin to soften and shimmer with vibrant color.
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Add the Spinach and Sauce: Toss in the baby spinach and the remaining hoisin mixture. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts down and the sauce coats the vegetables nicely.
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Assemble and Serve: Divide the soba noodles among serving bowls, topping with the vegetable mixture and crispy tofu slices. Garnish with extra green onions and sliced chilli, and serve with additional sriracha on the side for those who crave extra heat.
Optional: Drizzle with sesame oil before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Hoisin Chia Tofu with Soba Noodles?
To make your meal even more remarkable, consider these delightful pairings that enhance the flavors and textures of your dish.
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Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls: These add a delightful crunch and a fresh touch, perfect for dipping in sweet chili sauce.
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Garlic Edamame: Simple to prepare and full of flavor, these protein-packed pods make a healthy side that beautifully complements the stir-fry.
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Miso Soup: A warm, umami-rich soup that brings a comforting, savory element to your dining experience, engaging your senses.
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Asian Cucumber Salad: The crisp, refreshing bites of cucumber tossed in a tangy dressing contrast wonderfully with the rich hoisin sauce.
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Steamed Broccoli: Bright green and nutrient-rich, steamed broccoli lends color and a healthy glow to your plate while enhancing the dish’s texture.
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Chilled Green Tea: This refreshing beverage helps cleanse the palate and highlights the flavors of the hoisin chia tofu and brussels sprouts stir-fry.
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Coconut Sticky Rice: For a sweet twist, this creamy, slightly sweet side pairs well with the savory depth of your main dish, creating a joyful balance.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A lively mix of seasonal fruits adds a hint of sweetness, refreshing the palate after the spicy, savory notes of the stir-fry.
Explore these combinations to create a full, satisfying meal that leaves your guests lingering at the table!
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Chia Tofu and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry
Fridge: Store leftover crispy chia tofu and brussels sprouts stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind the tofu’s texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through; add a splash of water or extra hoisin sauce to help revive the flavors.
Serving Fresh: This stir-fry is best served fresh for the ultimate crispy texture, but it’s still delicious as leftovers!
Expert Tips for Crispy Chia Tofu and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry
Firm Tofu: Choose firm tofu for the best texture. Press it beforehand to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy chia tofu that holds its shape.
Chia Coating: For an even crunch, let the hoisin sauce sit on the tofu for a minute before pressing it into the chia seeds. This enhances the coating!
Soba Noodles: Be careful not to overcook your soba noodles; they should be tender yet firm to ensure a delightful bite in your stir-fry.
High Heat Cooking: Keep your wok or frying pan at high heat when sautéing vegetables. This helps maintain their vibrant color and crunchy texture.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or any seasonal vegetables you love for a personalized, nutrient-packed crispy chia tofu and brussels sprouts stir-fry!
Crispy Chia Tofu and Brussels Sprouts Variations
Customize your crispy chia tofu and brussels sprouts stir-fry with these fun, flavorful twists that elevate every bite!
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Vegetable Medley: Swap brussels sprouts for broccoli or bok choy for a different crunch and taste.
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Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tempeh to amp up the protein content and create a heartier meal.
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Gluten-Free: Use rice noodles instead of soba for a gluten-free alternative that still delivers on taste.
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Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor and crunch that’s simply irresistible.
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Sauce Variation: Blend in a touch of peanut butter to the hoisin sauce for a creamy, nutty flavor that beautifully complements the crispy tofu.
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Heat Levels: Increase sriracha or add chili flakes to dial up the spiciness if you love a fiery kick!
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Zesty Freshness: Finish with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice for a refreshing brightness that livens up the entire dish.
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Herb infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil right before serving for a fragrant and flavorful touch that makes each bite sing.
Make Ahead Options
These crispy chia tofu and brussels sprouts stir-fry components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the hoisin sauce mixture and marinate the tofu up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring the flavors deepen. Cook the soba noodles and let them cool, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the vegetables, shred the brussels sprouts and chop the garlic and green onions ahead of time, storing them in airtight containers to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the marinated tofu as directed and toss everything together in a hot wok – this way, you’ll have a quick, delicious meal with minimal effort, just as tasty as if you made it fresh!
Crispy Chia Tofu and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry Recipe FAQs
What type of tofu should I use for my stir-fry?
Absolutely! Opt for firm tofu, which holds its shape better and offers a satisfying texture when cooked. Press it for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture; this will ensure your crispy chia tofu is truly crispy!
How do I store leftover stir-fry?
Store leftover crispy chia tofu and brussels sprouts stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days; just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it! I recommend portioning out the stir-fry into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or a bit more hoisin sauce to revive the moisture and flavors.
What should I do if my tofu isn’t getting crispy?
To achieve that perfect crunch, ensure you’ve pressed the tofu well to remove as much moisture as possible. When cooking, maintain high heat in your wok, and let the tofu sit undisturbed for the first couple of minutes to develop that golden crust. If needed, you can also coat the tofu again in chia seeds after brushing on more hoisin sauce before frying.
Are there any dietary considerations I should know about?
The crispy chia tofu and brussels sprouts stir-fry is generally vegan and can be gluten-free if you choose gluten-free soba noodles. If you have any allergies to sesame or chili, you can adjust the recipe accordingly. Always double-check labels on pre-made sauces to avoid hidden allergens and ensure they fit your dietary needs.
Crispy Chia Tofu and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry for Dinner Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, sriracha, and water. Stir until well combined.
- Bring a saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Add the soba noodles and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender. Drain, then rinse under cold running water.
- Place a large wok over high heat and pour in half the sesame oil. Let it warm up until shimmering.
- Brush both sides of the sliced tofu with the hoisin mixture. Press one side into the black chia seeds. Cook in the hot wok for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In the same wok, add the remaining sesame oil, followed by the shredded brussels sprouts, garlic, bird’s-eye chilli, and green onions. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
- Toss in the baby spinach and the remaining hoisin mixture. Stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce coats the vegetables.
- Divide the soba noodles among serving bowls, topping with the vegetable mixture and crispy tofu slices. Garnish and serve with extra sriracha.