Quick Asian Stir-Fry with Tofu and Vegetables
A vibrant, fast stir-fry featuring firm tofu and seasonal vegetables, tossed in a savory soy-ginger sauce for a healthy Asian-inspired meal. This asian fusion-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, sesame oil, minced fresh ginger 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 large, sliced diagonally carrot
- 1 medium, sliced into strips red bell pepper
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 thinly sliced (for garnish) scallions
- 1 tsp (for garnish) toasted sesame seeds
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed extra firm tofu cubes in 2 tbsp cornstarch to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until crisp and golden. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 large sliced carrot, and 1 medium sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar in a small bowl, then pour over the vegetables. Toss to coat and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Return the tofu to the skillet and gently toss everything together for 1 minute to heat through.
- Step 7: Plate the stir-fry and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Asian Stir-Fry with Tofu and Vegetables 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 Quick Asian Stir-Fry with Tofu and 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 cornstarch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Asian Stir-Fry with Tofu and 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 Quick Asian Stir-Fry with Tofu and 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.
What goes well with Quick Asian Stir-Fry with Tofu and Vegetables?
Asian Fusion vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.