Budget Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu
A quick, colorful stir-fry packed with affordable veggies and crispy tofu for a protein-rich, plant-based meal. This asian-inspired mexican (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs cubed tofu, head, cut into florets broccoli, medium, julienned carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, 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, cubed tofu
- 1 head, cut into florets broccoli
- 1 medium, julienned carrots
- 1 cup, trimmed snap peas
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp, grated ginger
- 1 cup uncooked, cooked separately rice
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp minced garlic, then stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1/2 cup julienned carrots and 1/2 cup snap peas, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Step 2: Toss in 1/2 cup broccoli florets and 1/2 tbsp soy sauce. Cook for 4-5 minutes until bright green and crisp. Push veggies to one side, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, and cook tofu for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Step 3: Return tofu to the skillet with veggies, stir in remaining 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1/2 tsp ginger. Cook for 2 minutes until flavors meld. Serve over 1 cup cooked rice, garnished with 1 tbsp sesame seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Budget Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu?
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 cubed tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Budget Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu?
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 Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better mexican dishes though.
