Fourth-Day Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame

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

A vibrant stir-fry combining fresh vegetables and tofu, cooked quickly in a fragrant sesame-ginger sauce perfect for a nutritious weekday meal. This asian fusion-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic cloves 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz cubed extra-firm tofu and cook, turning occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until all sides are golden and slightly crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, and 1 large julienned carrot to the pan. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the pan along with 3 sliced green onions. Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and sprinkle 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss everything together and cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu and vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fourth-Day 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 Fourth-Day 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 sesame oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fourth-Day 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 Fourth-Day 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.

What goes well with Fourth-Day Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame?

Asian Fusion vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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