Budget Stir-Fry with Tofu & Frozen Veggies
A protein-rich, 20-minute stir-fry using affordable tofu and frozen veggies for a colorful, nutrient-dense weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 29 minutes pairs pressed and cubed firm tofu, frozen stir-fry vegetables, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cubed firm tofu
- 2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz cubed tofu and cook for 8 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown on all sides.
- Step 2: Remove tofu and set aside. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant—do not brown.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp cornstarch. Cook for 4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and sauce thickens slightly, stirring constantly.
- Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet, add 1 tsp sesame oil, and toss for 1 minute until evenly coated and heated through. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Budget Stir-Fry with Tofu & Frozen Veggies take to make?
Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 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 Budget Stir-Fry with Tofu & Frozen Veggies?
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 pressed and cubed firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Budget Stir-Fry with Tofu & Frozen Veggies?
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 Budget Stir-Fry with Tofu & Frozen Veggies 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 Budget Stir-Fry with Tofu & Frozen Veggies 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many vegetarian recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
