Pan-Seared Sesame Tofu with Garlic and Broccoli
Crisp pan-seared tofu cubes tossed with garlicky broccoli in a glossy sesame soy sauce, perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal. This chinese-inspired chinese (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs broccoli florets, soy sauce, sesame oil 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add 14 oz 1-inch cubed pressed tofu and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until golden brown on one side.
- Step 2: Flip tofu cubes carefully and cook for another 3 minutes until all sides are golden and crisp; remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and 1/4 cup water; cover and steam for 3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and just tender.
- Step 5: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water to create a sauce.
- Step 6: Pour the sauce over broccoli and add the tofu back to the pan; toss gently and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and broccoli.
- Step 7: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if desired before serving hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Sesame Tofu with Garlic and Broccoli 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-Seared Sesame Tofu with Garlic and 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 broccoli florets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Sesame Tofu with Garlic and 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-Seared Sesame Tofu with Garlic and 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-Seared Sesame Tofu with Garlic and 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.
