Quick Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashew Nuts
A vibrant Asian-inspired stir fry featuring crispy tofu, crunchy broccoli, and toasted cashews in a savory garlic-soy sauce. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegetarian, gluten free option) ready in about 25 minutes pairs broccoli florets, unsalted cashew nuts, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup, unsalted cashew nuts
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2, sliced for garnish green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crisp on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet along with 1/2 cup unsalted cashew nuts. Pour in the prepared sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and broccoli.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashew Nuts 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashew Nuts?
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 broccoli florets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashew Nuts?
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 with Broccoli and Cashew Nuts 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 with Broccoli and Cashew Nuts vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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