Pan-Seared Sesame Tofu with Ginger Soy Glaze and Broccoli
Firm tofu pan-seared to golden perfection and glazed with a savory ginger soy sauce served alongside steamed broccoli for a satisfying vegan entrée. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs broccoli florets, soy sauce, fresh ginger, grated for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 firm tofu, pressed and sliced into 1/2-inch slabs
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu slabs and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: Steam 3 cups broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 3: In the same skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Cook the glaze for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the ginger soy glaze.
- Step 6: Serve tofu and broccoli topped with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions while hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Sesame Tofu with Ginger Soy Glaze and Broccoli 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-Seared Sesame Tofu with Ginger Soy Glaze 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 Ginger Soy Glaze 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 Ginger Soy Glaze 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 Ginger Soy Glaze and Broccoli vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
