Sesame-Glazed Tofu with Stir-Fried Rainbow Vegetables

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

Crispy tofu coated in a savory-sweet sesame glaze, served with vibrant stir-fried vegetables for a satisfying plant-based meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 275 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 275 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger in a small bowl.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl to form a slurry.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add tofu cubes and cook for 5 minutes until golden on all sides. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups chopped broccoli, 1 sliced medium bell pepper, and 1 cup julienned carrots to skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to skillet, pour in the glaze, and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens. Sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Glazed Tofu with Stir-Fried Rainbow Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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-Glazed Tofu with Stir-Fried Rainbow Vegetables?

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-Glazed Tofu with Stir-Fried Rainbow Vegetables?

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-Glazed Tofu with Stir-Fried Rainbow Vegetables 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.

What goes well with Sesame-Glazed Tofu with Stir-Fried Rainbow Vegetables?

Asian vegetarian 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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