Fourth-Position Stir Fry with Tofu and Broccoli

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

A quick, vibrant stir fry featuring firm tofu and fresh broccoli florets in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pressed and cubed firm tofu, broccoli florets, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil to the skillet. Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cups broccoli florets, stirring constantly for 5-6 minutes until bright green and just tender.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the broccoli, stirring to coat.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, tossing gently with broccoli and sauce for 2 minutes until heated through. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fourth-Position Stir Fry with Tofu and Broccoli 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-Position Stir Fry with Tofu and Broccoli?

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 pressed and cubed firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fourth-Position Stir Fry with Tofu and Broccoli?

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-Position Stir Fry with Tofu and Broccoli 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 Fourth-Position Stir Fry with Tofu and Broccoli 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.