Speedy Highball Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger-Soy Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A lightning-fast vegetarian stir-fry channeling the 'highball' train signal for speed, featuring crispy tofu and vibrant veggies in a fragrant ginger-soy sauce. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 22 minutes blends pressed and cubed firm tofu, broccoli florets, thinly sliced red bell pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.8 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1/4 cup water, then add tofu cubes and toss to coat evenly, letting them sit for 5 minutes to crisp up.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add tofu in a single layer, and cook for 4 minutes until golden brown on all sides, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes until crispy.
  3. Step 3: Push tofu to one side of the skillet, add 1 tbsp grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add broccoli and bell pepper, stirring constantly for 3 minutes until vibrant and crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl, then pour over the vegetables and tofu, stirring until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly (about 1 minute).
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions and serve immediately over steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Speedy Highball Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger-Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Speedy Highball Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger-Soy Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Speedy Highball Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger-Soy Sauce?

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 Speedy Highball Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger-Soy Sauce 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.

What goes well with Speedy Highball Tofu Stir-Fry with Ginger-Soy Sauce?

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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