Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper

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

A vibrant stir fry featuring crispy tofu and crunchy vegetables tossed in a savory sesame-ginger sauce for a quick vegan meal. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, broccoli florets, red bell pepper 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.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on one side.
  2. Step 2: Flip tofu cubes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil along with 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups broccoli florets and 1 large sliced red bell pepper, stir-frying for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, then pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Toss everything to coat and cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly and glazes the tofu and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions over the stir fry before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper 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 Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper?

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 Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper?

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 with Broccoli and Bell Pepper 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.

What goes well with Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper?

Asian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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