Sesame-Ginger Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu

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

A vibrant and healthy stir fry combining tofu and crisp vegetables with a fragrant sesame-ginger sauce. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, broccoli florets, medium red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and fry tofu cubes for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Slice 1 medium red bell pepper into thin strips, peel and slice 1 large carrot into thin rounds, and chop 2 cups broccoli florets. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil and sauté 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the vegetables to the skillet and stir fry for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp and bright.
  4. Step 4: Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet and gently toss everything together to combine. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Ginger Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu?

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 Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu?

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 Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu 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 Sesame-Ginger Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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