Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful stir fry featuring crispy tofu, fresh broccoli, and vibrant bell peppers tossed in a fragrant ginger-sesame soy sauce. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegetarian, vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs broccoli florets, large red bell pepper, sliced, medium carrot, julienned for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz extra firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss tofu cubes with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups broccoli florets, 1 large sliced red bell pepper, and 1 medium julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, and 1/4 cup water. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss everything together, cooking for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Peppers?

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 broccoli florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Peppers?

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-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Peppers 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 Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Peppers vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, vegan, gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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