Sautéed Sesame Tofu with Ginger and Scallions

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

A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring crispy tofu tossed with toasted sesame and fresh aromatics for a satisfying vegan meal. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs 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 220 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 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press the 14 oz block of firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes and toss evenly with 1 tablespoon cornstarch to coat lightly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and sauté for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy; transfer tofu to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons sesame oil to the skillet, then stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet along with 3 thinly sliced scallions, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons water. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the tofu, give a final toss, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Sesame Tofu with Ginger and Scallions 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 Sesame Tofu with Ginger and Scallions?

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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Sesame Tofu with Ginger and Scallions?

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 Tofu with Ginger and Scallions 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 Sesame Tofu with Ginger and Scallions 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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