Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic Rice

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant vegetarian stir fry featuring crispy tofu in a ginger-sesame glaze served alongside aromatic garlic-infused rice for a wholesome meal. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear, drain well. In a saucepan, combine rice with 1 1/4 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let stand covered.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, and 1 1/2 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet and stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Toss gently and cook for 2 more minutes until tofu is well coated and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in 3 sliced scallions and the garlic from the sautéed mixture. Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top and serve tofu stir fry alongside the garlic rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic Rice take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Garlic Rice?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic Rice?

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 Garlic Rice 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 Garlic Rice 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.

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