Soy-Glazed Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions
Pan-fried tofu cubes tossed in a savory soy glaze with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for a quick and satisfying vegetarian stir fry. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs (1 block) firm tofu, soy sauce, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 (1 block) firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain 14 oz firm tofu and press it gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the bottoms are golden and crispy.
- Step 3: Flip tofu cubes and cook an additional 4 minutes until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (if using). Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Drizzle 1 tsp toasted sesame oil over the tofu and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 3 tbsp chopped scallions. Toss lightly and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Soy-Glazed Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions 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 Soy-Glazed Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions?
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 (1 block) firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Glazed Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions?
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-Glazed Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions 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.
What goes well with Soy-Glazed Tofu Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions?
Asian Fusion 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.