Quick Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Broccoli in Soy-Ginger Sauce
Crisp tofu cubes and tender-crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory garlic and ginger soy sauce, ready in 20 minutes. This asian-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends broccoli florets, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2, sliced for garnish green onions
- 1 tsp for garnish toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz extra-firm tofu cubes and cook, turning occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 3 cups broccoli florets and sauté for 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the soy-ginger sauce into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli.
- Step 6: Return the tofu to the skillet, drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil, and toss everything gently to combine and heat through for 1 minute.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Broccoli in Soy-Ginger Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Quick Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Broccoli in Soy-Ginger Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Broccoli in Soy-Ginger 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 with Garlic and Broccoli in Soy-Ginger 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 with Garlic and Broccoli in Soy-Ginger Sauce vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Equipment for this recipe
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