Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Mixed Vegetables

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

Crispy tofu and vibrant vegetables bathed in a savory-sweet sesame sauce, ready in 40 minutes for a satisfying plant-based meal. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz extra firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp sesame oil, and 2 tbsp water.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a plate.
  4. Step 4: Add the 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 cup julienned carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Return the tofu to the skillet, pour in the sauce mixture, and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately over cooked rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Mixed Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Mixed 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 extra firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Mixed 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Mixed 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.

Is Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Mixed Vegetables 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

Related recipes