Chen's Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Bok Choy

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

A fragrant, protein-packed stir-fry featuring pan-seared tofu, crisp bok choy, and a glossy ginger-sesame sauce. This asian-inspired quick meals (high protein, vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, bok choy, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss with 2 tsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking. Add tofu cubes and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Chop 12 oz bok choy into 2-inch pieces (separating stems and leaves), mince 3 garlic cloves, and grate 1 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger.
  4. Step 4: Stir-fry ginger and garlic in the same skillet for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add bok choy stems and cook for 2 minutes until slightly tender.
  5. Step 5: Add bok choy leaves, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until leaves wilt, then return tofu to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 1 more minute until sauce thickens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chen's Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Bok Choy take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Chen's Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Bok Choy?

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 Chen's Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Bok Choy?

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 Chen's Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Bok Choy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Chen's Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Bok Choy high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, 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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