Ginger-Scallion Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame
Crisp tofu cubes stir-fried with aromatic ginger, scallions, and a splash of toasted sesame for a savory vegan main dish. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fresh minced ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 1 tbsp fresh minced ginger
- 3 stalks sliced thinly, separate whites and greens scallions
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Press a 14 oz block of firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp.
- Step 3: Flip tofu cubes and cook an additional 4 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu from pan and set aside.
- Step 4: Lower heat to medium, add 1 tbsp fresh minced ginger and the white parts of 3 sliced scallions to the pan, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the pan, add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to coat and cook for 2 more minutes until sauce is absorbed.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and the green parts of the scallions before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger-Scallion Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Ginger-Scallion Stir-Fried Tofu with 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 fresh minced ginger from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Scallion Stir-Fried Tofu with 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 Ginger-Scallion Stir-Fried Tofu with 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 Ginger-Scallion Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame 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.