Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic, Broccoli, and Sesame

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

A quick and healthy stir-fry featuring crispy tofu, crunchy broccoli, and a fragrant garlic-sesame sauce. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs broccoli florets, (minced) garlic cloves, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed extra-firm tofu cubes and stir-fry for 6-8 minutes until all sides are golden and slightly crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil and 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet and pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp honey. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce coats the tofu and broccoli.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 2 sliced green onions, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) over the top, stirring gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic, Broccoli, and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 with Garlic, Broccoli, 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 broccoli florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic, Broccoli, 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 Garlic, Broccoli, and Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic, Broccoli, and Sesame?

Asian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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