Pan-Fried Tofu with Sesame-Ginger Glaze and Snow Peas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-fried tofu tossed in a savory sesame-ginger glaze served alongside crisp snow peas for a vibrant vegetarian dish. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, canola 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: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 14 oz extra-firm tofu pressed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes, then toss gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other sides for another 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are crisp.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp sesame oil.
  4. Step 4: Remove tofu from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 cup trimmed snow peas and sauté for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss gently and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the tofu and snow peas.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Sesame-Ginger Glaze and Snow Peas 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 Sesame-Ginger Glaze and Snow Peas?

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 Sesame-Ginger Glaze and Snow Peas?

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 Snow Peas 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 Snow Peas 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.

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