Quick Sesame-Ginger Stir Fry with Tofu and Vegetables
A fast and healthy stir fry featuring crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and a savory sesame-ginger sauce. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegan option) ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, pressed and cubed, broccoli florets, medium red bell pepper, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 3 stalks green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crisp.
- Step 2: Remove tofu and set aside. Add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil to the skillet along with 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, pour the sauce over everything, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables.
- Step 6: Sprinkle with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Sesame-Ginger Stir Fry with Tofu and 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 Quick Sesame-Ginger 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 firm tofu, pressed and cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Sesame-Ginger 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 Sesame-Ginger Stir Fry with Tofu and Vegetables 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 Quick Sesame-Ginger Stir Fry with Tofu and Vegetables vegan option?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
