Colorful Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant vegetable stir-fry featuring tofu cubes tossed in a savory sesame sauce, perfect for a quick vegan-friendly dinner packed with nutrients. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes in 1 tsp cornstarch evenly to help create a crisp exterior.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Slice 1 medium red bell pepper into thin strips, cut 2 cups broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, and julienne 1 large carrot. Mince 3 garlic cloves and grate 1 tbsp fresh ginger.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil and sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot, stirring constantly for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1/4 cup water. Pour the sauce over the vegetables, add the tofu back into the skillet, and toss gently to combine. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Colorful Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Colorful Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and 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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Colorful Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and 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 Colorful Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame 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 Colorful Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame 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.

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