Stir-Fried Tofu with Asparagus and Sesame
Crisp-tender asparagus and golden tofu are tossed in a savory-sweet sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds for nutty depth. This Asian-inspired vegetarian recipe (vegan), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, asparagus for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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. 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 cut into 1/2-inch cubes firm tofu
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup, chopped scallions
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat; add 1/2-inch tofu cubes and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup asparagus, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the skillet; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until asparagus is crisp-tender and slightly charred.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil; cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 1/4 cup chopped scallions, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Asparagus and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 with Asparagus 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 firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Asparagus 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Asparagus and 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 with Asparagus and Sesame vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This was the best tofu stir-fry I've ever made! The asparagus was perfectly crisp and the sesame gave it such a nice nutty flavor.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely delicious! The balance of flavors was perfect. I'll be making this again and again.
- ★★★★★
My family loved this recipe. The tofu was so flavorful and the dish came together in minutes. A new favorite!
