Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sesame Sauce
Golden cubes of tofu stir-fried with aromatic garlic and ginger, tossed in a savory soy sesame sauce perfect for a quick vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 22 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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, pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra-firm tofu and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until all sides are golden.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp honey until combined.
- Step 4: Pour the sauce over the tofu, tossing gently to coat evenly. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the tofu.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the tofu. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sesame Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sesame Sauce?
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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Ginger in Soy 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 Garlic and Ginger in Soy 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 Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sesame 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved this recipe! The tofu was perfectly crispy and the sauce was so flavorful.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this dish. It's become a regular in our vegan rotation.
- ★★★★★
Amazingly simple and delicious. Will make again!
