Hidden Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers

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

A vibrant tofu stir fry with crisp broccoli and colorful bell peppers tossed in a savory sesame sauce that brings hidden depth to every bite. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, pressed and cubed, cornstarch, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes until edges are golden and crispy; remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, then sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper; stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to skillet and pour in a sauce made from 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey; toss to coat and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the tofu and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers 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 Hidden Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell 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 firm tofu, pressed and cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell 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 Hidden Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers 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 Hidden Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers 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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