Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Carrots
A vibrant vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed with broccoli and carrots in a savory sesame-ginger sauce. This asian-inspired vegan (gluten free option) ready in about 30 minutes pairs broccoli florets, medium, julienned carrots, sesame oil 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 medium, julienned carrots
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2, sliced for garnish green onions
- 1 tbsp, toasted sesame seeds
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 ounces firm tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and fry tofu for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil, then sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups broccoli florets and 2 julienned medium carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Mix 3 tablespoons soy sauce with 2 tablespoons water and pour into the skillet. Return tofu to the pan and toss all together for 2 minutes until heated through and sauce lightly thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Carrots 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 Carrots?
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 broccoli florets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Carrots?
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 Carrots 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 Sesame-Ginger Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Carrots vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
