Pan-Fried Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Stir-Fried Vegetables
Crispy pan-fried tofu is coated in a savory ginger-soy glaze and served with colorful stir-fried vegetables for a balanced vegan meal. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, minced fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup, low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 cup, trimmed snap peas
- 1 large, julienned carrot
- 2, sliced green onions
- 1 tsp, toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed firm tofu cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy; transfer cooked tofu to a plate.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and sauté 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp maple syrup; cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet and toss to coat with the ginger-soy glaze; remove tofu and keep warm.
- Step 7: In a separate wok or large skillet, stir-fry 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 large julienned carrot over high heat with 1 tbsp vegetable oil for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 8: Plate the stir-fried vegetables, top with the glazed tofu, sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Stir-Fried 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 with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Stir-Fried 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 with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Stir-Fried 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 with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Stir-Fried 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 with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Stir-Fried 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.