Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry
Crispy pan-fried tofu tossed in a savory-sweet sesame-ginger sauce with vibrant vegetables, ready in 25 minutes. This asian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, 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 firm tofu
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 green onion
Instructions
- Step 1: Press tofu to remove excess moisture, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, and toss with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated; heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add tofu in a single layer, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to skillet, stir-fry broccoli, julienned carrot, and sliced bell pepper for 4 minutes until crisp-tender; add minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl, then pour over vegetables; bring to a simmer and add cooked tofu, stirring to coat.
- Step 4: Whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry, stir into skillet, and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Garnish with sliced green onion and serve immediately over rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Sesame-Ginger 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 firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame-Ginger 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 Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
