Pan-Fried Tofu with Sesame-Ginger Glaze and Scallions
Crispy golden tofu cubes coated in a savory sesame-ginger glaze, topped with fresh scallions for a simple vegan delight. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs sesame oil, soy sauce, fresh ginger, grated for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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 block extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 stalks scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 14 oz extra-firm tofu into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until all sides are golden and crispy.
- Step 3: While tofu cooks, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar in a small bowl.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, pour the soy-ginger glaze over the tofu cubes in the skillet. Toss gently and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds over the tofu, 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 Sesame-Ginger Glaze and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Sesame-Ginger Glaze and Scallions?
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 sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu with Sesame-Ginger Glaze and Scallions?
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 Sesame-Ginger Glaze and Scallions 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 Sesame-Ginger Glaze and Scallions 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.
