Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Spicy Sesame Sauce

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

Crispy pan-fried tofu tossed with vibrant broccoli florets in a bold, spicy sesame sauce for a quick vegetarian stir-fry. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends firm tofu, pressed and cubed, vegetable oil, broccoli florets into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 ounces firm tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy, then transfer tofu to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 3 cups broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the broccoli and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the tofu to the skillet.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon gochujang. Pour the sauce over the tofu and broccoli, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced scallions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Spicy Sesame Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Spicy Sesame Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Spicy Sesame Sauce?

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 Broccoli and Spicy Sesame Sauce 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 Tofu with Broccoli and Spicy Sesame Sauce 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.

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