Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame and Ginger

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

Golden pan-fried tofu cubes tossed with a savory ginger-sesame sauce and crisp vegetables for a satisfying vegan stir-fry. This asian-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup broccoli florets and 1 julienned medium red bell pepper, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp honey or maple syrup. Pour sauce over vegetables, add tofu back to the pan, and toss gently to coat.
  6. Step 6: Cook for another 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame and Ginger 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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame and Ginger?

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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame and Ginger?

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 Sesame and Ginger 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 Sesame and Ginger vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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