Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Broccoli and Bell Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy tofu cubes stir-fried with vibrant broccoli and sweet bell peppers in a savory sesame-ginger sauce. This asian-inspired vegan (gluten free option) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, broccoli florets, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups broccoli florets and 1 sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and stir-fry for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over. Mix 2 tbsp water with remaining cornstarch, then add to skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats tofu and vegetables.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Broccoli and Bell Peppers 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 Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Broccoli and Bell Peppers?

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 Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Broccoli and Bell Peppers?

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 Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Broccoli and Bell Peppers 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.

Is Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Broccoli and Bell Peppers vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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