Sautéed Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick Asian-inspired stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed with fresh ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame for a flavorful plant-based dinner. This asian-inspired super bowl (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, sesame oil, fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz cubed extra-firm tofu with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add tofu cubes. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 julienned carrot to the skillet, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer; cook for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce and vegetables. Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry 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 Sautéed Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 Sautéed Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry 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 Sautéed Ginger-Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry 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.

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