Soy and Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry
Crisp tofu and colorful vegetables coated in a savory soy-ginger glaze, stir-fried to perfection in under 20 minutes. This asian-inspired asian (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, soy sauce, ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 2, 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 extra-firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup broccoli
- 1/2 cup bell peppers
- 1/2 cup carrots
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tsp cornstarch to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly. Add 1/2 cup broccoli florets, 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers, and 1/2 cup julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 4: Whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce with 2 tbsp water. Pour over vegetables and simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens. Return tofu to the skillet and stir to coat. Cook for 2 more minutes. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped green onions before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Soy and Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry 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 Soy and Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry?
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 Soy and Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry?
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 Soy and Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Soy and Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry 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
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.