Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Mixed Vegetables
A colorful and flavorful vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and vibrant vegetables tossed in a savory sesame sauce. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan, vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs block 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 220 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
- 14 oz block firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Press the 14 oz block of firm tofu for 15 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with 2 tbsp cornstarch to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add 1 julienned carrot, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 cup broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tbsp brown sugar in a small bowl, then pour into the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
- Step 6: Return the tofu cubes to the skillet and toss gently with the vegetables and sauce for 1 minute to combine.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Mixed Vegetables 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 Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Mixed Vegetables?
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 firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Mixed Vegetables?
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 Mixed Vegetables 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 Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Mixed Vegetables vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
