Quick Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame Ginger Sauce
A colorful and healthy stir-fry featuring crisp vegetables and tofu in a savory sesame ginger sauce, ready in under 20 minutes. This asian fusion-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends drained and cubed extra firm tofu, sesame oil, broccoli florets 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 4, 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, drained and cubed extra firm tofu
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium, sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 large, julienned carrot
- 2 stalks, sliced green onion
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 large julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Pour sauce over vegetables and add tofu back to skillet.
- Step 4: Toss everything together and cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats tofu and vegetables. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame 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 Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame 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 Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame 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 Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame Ginger Sauce 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 Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame 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.