Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger and Sesame
A vibrant vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes sautéed with fresh ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame seeds for a flavorful finish. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 27 minutes pairs cornstarch, canola oil, finely grated fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra-firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp canola oil
- 1 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz extra-firm tofu cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until bottoms are golden and crisp.
- Step 3: Flip tofu cubes and cook another 4 minutes until all sides are crisp and tofu is heated through.
- Step 4: Push tofu to one side of the skillet and add 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir tofu with ginger and garlic, then add 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Toss to coat and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce is absorbed.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced scallions over the tofu before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 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 cornstarch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger 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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger and Sesame 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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger 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.
