Crisp Pan-Seared Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Scallions
Firm tofu pan-seared until golden and served with a vibrant ginger-soy glaze and fresh scallions for a satisfying vegan entrée. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs soy sauce, fresh ginger, grated, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1/2-inch slabs
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 stalks scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz extra-firm tofu slabs and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil until combined.
- Step 3: Pour the ginger-soy glaze over the tofu in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the tofu until it thickens and coats the tofu pieces.
- Step 4: Transfer tofu to a serving plate, sprinkle with 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes for a touch of heat. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisp Pan-Seared Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Crisp Pan-Seared Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Scallions?
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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Pan-Seared Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Scallions?
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 Crisp Pan-Seared Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Scallions 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 Crisp Pan-Seared Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Scallions 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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