Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger and Garlic in Soy Sesame Sauce
Golden tofu cubes stir-fried with fresh ginger and garlic, coated in a savory soy and toasted sesame oil glaze. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 22 minutes blends block, drained and cubed firm tofu, finely grated ginger, 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 block, drained and cubed firm tofu
- 1 tbsp finely grated ginger
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes until all sides are golden.
- Step 3: Add 1 tbsp finely grated ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, stirring to coat the tofu evenly. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the tofu.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and season with 1/4 tsp black pepper before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger and Garlic in Soy Sesame Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Ginger and Garlic in Soy Sesame 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 Ginger and Garlic 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 Ginger and Garlic 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 Ginger and Garlic 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.
Related recipes
Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger and Classic Asian Vegetables
Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashew-Ginger Sauce
White Dust Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Ginger
Stir-Fried Tofu with Popular Garlic-Ginger Sauce
Ginger-Scallion Stir-Fried Tofu with Soy and Sesame
Sautéed Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Sesame
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
