Ginger-Sesame Tofu & Vegetable Stir-Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy pan-fried tofu with a glossy ginger-sesame sauce, paired with crisp-tender broccoli and bell peppers. This asian-inspired asian (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 27 minutes pairs sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 3.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil. Sauté 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups broccoli florets and 1 red sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4 minutes until crisp-tender and vibrant green.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water to thicken the sauce. Cook for 1 minute until glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1 minute until heated through. Garnish with 3 sliced green onions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger-Sesame Tofu & Vegetable Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 & Vegetable Stir-Fry?

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 sesame oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Sesame Tofu & Vegetable Stir-Fry?

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 & Vegetable Stir-Fry 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 & Vegetable Stir-Fry vegetarian?

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

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