Pan-Seared Tofu with Soy-Ginger Glaze

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

A simple pan-seared tofu dish accented with a sweet and savory soy-ginger glaze inspired by regional Asian flavors, perfect for a vegetarian main. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu slices (pressed and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices) and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves until sugar dissolves.
  3. Step 3: Pour the soy-ginger glaze into the same skillet and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet, spoon glaze over each piece, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until tofu is well-coated and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to serving plate, garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Tofu with Soy-Ginger Glaze 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 Soy-Ginger Glaze?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Tofu with Soy-Ginger Glaze?

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 Soy-Ginger Glaze 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 Soy-Ginger Glaze 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.

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