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

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-fried tofu glazed in a savory sesame ginger sauce, paired with crisp-tender stir-fried vegetables for a vibrant vegan entrée. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 40 minutes pairs cornstarch, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger 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: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press a 14 oz block of extra firm tofu for at least 20 minutes, then cut into 1/2-inch slices. Toss the slices gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu slices in a single layer and pan-fry for 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Sauté 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1 julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  6. Step 6: Return the tofu to the skillet and gently toss with vegetables and glaze for 1 minute to coat everything evenly.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 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 Sesame Ginger 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 Sesame Ginger 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.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Tofu with Sesame Ginger Glaze and Stir-Fried Vegetables?

Asian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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