Half-Glazed Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli
A vibrant, half-glazed sesame tofu stir fry pairing crisp broccoli with a sticky, savory-sweet sauce for a quick vegan dinner. This asian fusion-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu, broccoli florets, 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, pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp mixed with 1 tbsp water cornstarch
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 sliced green onions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy; remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar.
- Step 5: Pour sauce mixture over broccoli and add tofu back to the pan. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Add the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and broccoli.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Glazed Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli 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 Half-Glazed Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli?
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 Half-Glazed Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli?
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 Half-Glazed Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli 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 Half-Glazed Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli 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.
