Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Sesame

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

Crisp tofu cubes stir-fried with broccoli florets in a spicy garlic chili sauce, garnished with toasted sesame seeds for crunch. This asian-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs block, pressed and cubed 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss tofu cubes with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey. Return tofu to the skillet and toss everything together for 2 minutes until tofu is coated and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli 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 Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli 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 Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli 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 Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli 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 Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Sesame 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.

Related recipes