Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Broccoli in Sesame-Ginger Sauce
A quick and vibrant vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and tender broccoli tossed in a fragrant sesame-ginger sauce. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes blends broccoli florets, minced garlic cloves, grated fresh ginger 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 280 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cubed extra firm tofu
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp, dissolved in 2 tbsp water cornstarch
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks, sliced thin green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Step 2: Remove tofu from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add 3 cups broccoli florets and 3 minced garlic cloves, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is bright green and just tender.
- Step 3: Add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the pan and gently toss to coat with the sauce. Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Broccoli in Sesame-Ginger Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Garlic and Broccoli in Sesame-Ginger 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 Garlic and Broccoli in Sesame-Ginger 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 Garlic and Broccoli in Sesame-Ginger 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 Garlic and Broccoli in Sesame-Ginger Sauce 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.
Related recipes
Sesame-Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Snow Peas
Ginger-Scallion Stir-Fried Tofu with Soy and Sesame
Stir-Fried Tofu with Snow Peas and Ginger Soy Sauce
Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sauce Glaze
Stir-Fried Ginger Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews
Sautéed Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Sesame
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
