Pan-Fried Tofu with Ginger-Sesame Glaze and Stir-Fried Greens

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

Crisp tofu pan-fried and coated in a savory ginger-sesame glaze, served alongside garlicky stir-fried bok choy and spinach. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 35 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, soy sauce 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: 20 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Lightly coat 14 oz firm tofu slices (1/2-inch thick) in 1/4 cup cornstarch, shaking off excess. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add tofu slices in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Cook for 2 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes syrupy.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat evenly in the glaze. Remove tofu and keep warm.
  6. Step 6: In a separate large skillet, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 3 halved baby bok choy and 3 cups fresh spinach. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until greens are wilted but still bright.
  7. Step 7: Season greens with 1/2 tsp black pepper and toss well.
  8. Step 8: Plate tofu over a bed of greens, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Ginger-Sesame Glaze and Stir-Fried Greens take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 with Ginger-Sesame Glaze and Stir-Fried Greens?

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 with Ginger-Sesame Glaze and Stir-Fried Greens?

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 with Ginger-Sesame Glaze and Stir-Fried Greens 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 with Ginger-Sesame Glaze and Stir-Fried Greens 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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