Pan-Seared Tofu with Ginger-Sesame Sauce and Broccoli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A plant-based dish featuring golden pan-seared tofu served with crisp broccoli and a savory ginger-sesame sauce. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegan recipe (gluten free), ready in about 30 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 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place 14 ounces of extra firm tofu slabs in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until each side is golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add 3 cups broccoli florets and 1/4 cup water, cover and steam for 4 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: While broccoli steams, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar in a small bowl.
  4. Step 4: Remove broccoli cover and pour the ginger-sesame sauce into the skillet. Toss broccoli gently to coat and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and spoon sauce over the tofu and broccoli. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Tofu with Ginger-Sesame Sauce 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 Tofu with Ginger-Sesame Sauce 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 sesame oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Tofu with Ginger-Sesame Sauce 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 Tofu with Ginger-Sesame Sauce 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 Tofu with Ginger-Sesame Sauce 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.

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