Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Ginger and Sesame Soy Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A savory vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in a fragrant garlic-ginger soy glaze with toasted sesame seeds. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten free option) ready in about 30 minutes pairs block, pressed and cubed firm tofu, vegetable oil, minced fresh garlic 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut a 14 oz block of firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and press out excess moisture. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Cook the sauce for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the glaze. Cook for an additional 1 minute to meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions over the top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Ginger and Sesame Soy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Ginger and Sesame Soy Glaze?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Ginger and Sesame Soy Glaze?

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 Sesame Soy Glaze 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 Sesame Soy Glaze vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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