Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Steamed Broccoli

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

Crispy pan-seared tofu served with a rich, spicy peanut sauce and tender steamed broccoli for a balanced vegetarian meal. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs extra firm tofu, broccoli florets, peanut butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil and steam 3 cups broccoli florets for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: While broccoli steams, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove tofu and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sriracha, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/4 cup water until smooth and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in the skillet over medium heat, pour in the peanut sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, gently toss to coat cubes in the spicy peanut sauce. Serve tofu and sauce over steamed broccoli, garnished with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Steamed 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 Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Steamed 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 extra firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Steamed 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 Spicy Peanut Sauce and Steamed Broccoli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spicy Peanut Sauce and Steamed Broccoli 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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