Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Sesame Sauce and Broccoli

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-27 · Updated 2026-04-27

Crisp-tender broccoli and pan-fried tofu tossed in a savory garlic-sesame sauce for a quick, flavorful vegan stir fry. This Asian-inspired Mother’s Day recipe (vegan), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed, broccoli florets, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

The wok we’d stir-fry this in → Best Woks for 2026: Carbon Steel, Nonstick & Flat-Bottom Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Step 4: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp water, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
6. Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over tofu and broccoli. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the tofu and broccoli.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving.