Pan-Fried Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Vegetables

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

Crisp pan-fried tofu cubes paired with vibrant vegetables tossed in a fragrant ginger and sesame sauce for a satisfying vegan stir-fry. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, canola oil, finely grated fresh ginger 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed tofu with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 3 tbsp canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Return tofu to the skillet and toss everything together for 2 minutes until heated through.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Vegetables 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Vegetables?

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 cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Vegetables?

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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Vegetables 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 Pan-Fried Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Vegetables 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.

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