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

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

Firm tofu pan-fried until golden, glazed with a savory ginger-soy sauce, and served alongside tender sesame-sautéed broccoli florets. This asian-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, honey 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 2 minced garlic cloves to create the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu slices (pressed and cut into 1/2-inch thick pieces) and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on edges.
  3. Step 3: Pour the prepared ginger-soy glaze over the tofu in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, gently turning tofu to coat evenly and thicken the sauce.
  4. Step 4: Remove tofu from skillet and cover to keep warm. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet and heat over medium heat.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 cups broccoli florets and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. Season broccoli with a pinch of salt.
  6. Step 6: Toss broccoli with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and serve alongside the glazed tofu, garnished with 2 sliced green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Sesame Broccoli 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-Soy Glaze and Sesame 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 soy sauce from drying out.

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