Garlic-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Broccoli

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

Pan-fried tofu cubes tossed with crisp broccoli and a savory-sweet garlic sesame sauce for a satisfying plant-based stir-fry. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs cornstarch, vegetable 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 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 Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed, cubed extra firm tofu with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp on all sides; transfer tofu to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 cups broccoli florets and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp, and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup water.
  5. Step 5: Pour sauce into skillet with broccoli and add tofu back in, tossing gently to coat and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds over the stir-fry and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with 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 Garlic-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with 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 cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with 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 Garlic-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with 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.

What goes well with Garlic-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Broccoli?

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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