Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame Glaze
Crunchy tofu tossed in a fiery ginger-soy sauce, glazed with sweet sesame and served over fluffy jasmine rice. This asian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs block (14 oz) firm tofu, (uncooked) jasmine rice, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu
- 1 cup (uncooked) jasmine rice
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup cashews
Instructions
- Step 1: Press tofu for 20 minutes, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat, add tofu, and sauté 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, grated ginger, honey, and red pepper flakes. Add 1 tbsp sesame oil and 2 tbsp water to thin the sauce.
- Step 3: Add cooked jasmine rice (prepared separately) to the wok, stirring to coat with the sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes until rice is glazed and fragrant.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in sliced green onions and cashews. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame Glaze 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 Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame Glaze?
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 block (14 oz) firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame Glaze?
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 Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame Glaze 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 Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame Glaze 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
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
