Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Steamed Broccoli

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

Crisp pan-fried tofu coated in a savory ginger-soy glaze, served alongside vibrant steamed broccoli for a healthy Asian-inspired meal. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs extra-firm tofu, cornstarch, 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 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 Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: After pressing, cut 14 oz extra-firm tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and toss gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: While tofu cooks, steam 4 cups broccoli florets for 5-6 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp water.
  5. Step 5: Pour the ginger-soy glaze over the browned tofu in the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 2 minutes, tossing gently until tofu is coated and glaze thickens.
  6. Step 6: Serve tofu topped with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds alongside the steamed broccoli.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Steamed Broccoli 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 Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Steamed 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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Steamed 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 Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Steamed Broccoli 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.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Steamed Broccoli?

Asian Fusion vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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