Sautéed Sesame-Ginger Tofu with Stir-Fried Vegetables
This vibrant vegan stir-fry features crispy tofu cubes glazed with a fragrant sesame-ginger sauce paired with crunchy seasonal vegetables. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs sesame oil, finely grated fresh ginger, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra-firm tofu
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 large, julienned carrot
- 1 medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup, trimmed snap peas
- 2, sliced scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 cups, for serving cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz of pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 large julienned carrot, 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1 cup snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Stir together 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar in a small bowl. Pour this sauce into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the vegetables.
- Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet, gently tossing to combine and heat through for 1 minute.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish.
- Step 7: Serve immediately over 3 cups cooked jasmine rice.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Sesame-Ginger Tofu with Stir-Fried Vegetables 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 Sautéed Sesame-Ginger Tofu with Stir-Fried Vegetables?
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 sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Sesame-Ginger Tofu with Stir-Fried Vegetables?
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 Sesame-Ginger Tofu with Stir-Fried Vegetables 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 Sautéed Sesame-Ginger Tofu with Stir-Fried Vegetables 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.