Simple Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Carrots
A quick stir fry combining crispy tofu with tender broccoli and carrots in a savory sesame-soy glaze, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. This asian fusion-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs pressed and cubed extra firm tofu, broccoli florets, large, julienned carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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, pressed and cubed extra firm tofu
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 large, julienned carrot
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2, sliced green onions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu and sauté for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and slightly crispy.
- Step 2: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to the pan, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Toss in 2 cups broccoli florets and 1 large julienned carrot, stir frying for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, stirring well to coat tofu and vegetables evenly.
- Step 5: Cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and glazes the ingredients.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving warm with rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Carrots take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Simple Sesame 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 Simple Sesame 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 Simple Sesame 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 Simple Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Carrots vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.