15-Minute Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy pan-fried tofu with crisp vegetables and a savory sesame-ginger sauce, ready faster than takeout. This asian (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs firm tofu, broccoli, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 ounces firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Trim 8 ounces broccoli into small florets and slice 6 ounces carrots thinly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Add broccoli and carrots to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, and 1/4 cup water. Pour sauce over vegetables and tofu, stirring to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens and coats the tofu. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does 15-Minute Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover 15-Minute Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 15-Minute Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale 15-Minute Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is 15-Minute Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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