Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables with Sesame
A quick and flavorful stir-fry with firm tofu and seasonal vegetables, tossed in a savory sesame sauce. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pressed and cubed firm tofu, vegetable oil, broccoli florets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cubed firm tofu
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1, sliced red bell pepper
- 1, julienned carrot
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu (pressed and cubed) and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Add 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 julienned carrot, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/2 tsp sugar. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir until thickened, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Add the tofu back to the skillet and stir to coat. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and serve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables with 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 Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables with 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 pressed and cubed firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables with 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 Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables with Sesame 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.
Is Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables with Sesame vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Amazing recipe! Tofu absorbs the flavors so well. Will make again and again.
- ★★★★★
Quick and delicious. Made it for dinner and it was a hit. The sesame dressing was just right.
- ★★★★★
Loved this dish! The tofu was perfectly crispy and the vegetables were so fresh. My whole family devoured it.