Quick Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-02 · Updated 2026-05-02

A simple and vibrant stir-fry combining crispy tofu and tender broccoli tossed in a savory garlic soy sauce for a nutritious vegan meal. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, broccoli florets, vegetable oil 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving

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Ingredients

14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
3 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp vegetable oil
5 minced garlic cloves
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
3 tbsp water
2 sliced green onions
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
Step 3: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 3 tbsp water until smooth.
Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with broccoli and garlic, cooking and stirring for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the broccoli.
Step 6: Return the crispy tofu cubes to the pan, drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil, and toss gently to combine and heat through.
Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce?

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 Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce 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 Quick Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce 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.