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

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

Crisp tofu cubes glazed with a savory sesame-ginger sauce, served with colorful stir-fried vegetables for a satisfying vegan dish. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 25 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 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: 10 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 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 ounces extra-firm tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 4 minutes until bottoms are golden and crisp.
  2. Step 2: Flip tofu cubes and cook another 4 minutes until all sides are golden. Remove tofu from pan and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves to make the glaze.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 2 cups broccoli florets, and 1 large julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the soy-ginger glaze over everything. Toss gently and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats tofu and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Tofu with Sesame-Ginger Glaze and Stir-Fried Vegetables 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 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 sesame oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared 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-Seared 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.

Is Pan-Seared Tofu with Sesame-Ginger Glaze and Stir-Fried Vegetables vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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