Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic, Ginger, and Broccoli in Savory Soy Sauce
A quick Asian-inspired stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes, tender broccoli florets, and fragrant garlic and ginger in a rich soy-based sauce. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes blends (about 200 g) broccoli florets, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves 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, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes extra-firm tofu
- 3 cups (about 200 g) broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 14 oz extra-firm tofu and cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 3 tbsp water until smooth.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, pour the sauce mixture over, and stir gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and broccoli.
- Step 6: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stir-fry, sprinkle 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) on top, and toss lightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic, Ginger, and Broccoli in Savory Soy 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 Garlic, Ginger, and Broccoli in Savory Soy 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, Ginger, and Broccoli in Savory Soy 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, Ginger, and Broccoli in Savory Soy 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, Ginger, and Broccoli in Savory Soy 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.