Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger and Scallions
Firm tofu pan-fried until golden and tossed in a savory-sweet sauce with fresh ginger and scallions. This asian-inspired quick meals (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs sesame oil, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz, pressed and cubed into 1-inch pieces) firm tofu
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp (minced) ginger
- 2 cloves (minced) garlic
- 3 (sliced, green and white parts separated) scallions
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1 block (14 oz) pressed and cubed firm tofu dry with paper towels; toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add the cornstarch-coated tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp water, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using); bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss to coat; add 3 sliced scallions (white parts first), cooking for 1 minute until the scallions are slightly tender.
- Step 6: Sprinkle with the green parts of the scallions and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger 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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger 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 sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger 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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger 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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The ginger and scallions gave it such a fresh flavor.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
- ★★★★★
Loved the crispy tofu! Easy and healthy for my family.