Spicy Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame
A colorful stir-fry featuring crisp vegetables and golden tofu tossed in a spicy sesame sauce, perfect for a quick vegan meal. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil 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
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium, sliced into strips red bell pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 large, thinly sliced carrot
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2, sliced diagonally green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same wok, add 2 tbsp sesame oil along with 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 sliced medium red bell pepper, 2 cups broccoli florets, and 1 thinly sliced large carrot. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Return the tofu to the wok and pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, then serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame?
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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame?
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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame 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 Spicy Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame?
Asian vegan 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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