Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame

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

Crisp-tender tofu and vegetables coated in a fragrant ginger-sesame sauce for a quick, flavorful meal. This asian (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pressed and cubed firm tofu, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch in a bowl. Add cubed tofu and toss to coat, letting sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add coated tofu and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add mixed vegetables, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to skillet. Mix 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp lemon juice in a small bowl. Pour over tofu and vegetables, stirring to coat.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens. Stir in 1 tbsp sesame oil and cook for 1 minute more.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup sliced scallions and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame 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 Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry 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 pressed and cubed firm tofu from drying out.

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