Garlic-Sesame Stir Fry with Tofu and Vibrant Vegetables
A quick and nutritious vegan stir fry featuring crispy tofu and bright vegetables tossed in a savory garlic-sesame sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, canola oil, broccoli florets 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, drained and cubed into 1-inch pieces extra firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp canola oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, julienned carrot
- 3 stalks, sliced diagonally green onions
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp, toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp, grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz cubed extra firm tofu with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Return the tofu to the pan and pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Toss everything together and cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce coats all ingredients.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Sesame Stir Fry with Tofu and Vibrant Vegetables 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-Sesame Stir Fry with Tofu and Vibrant Vegetables?
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-Sesame Stir Fry with Tofu and Vibrant Vegetables?
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-Sesame Stir Fry with Tofu and Vibrant Vegetables 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.
Is Garlic-Sesame Stir Fry with Tofu and Vibrant Vegetables 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.
