Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger and Scallions in Sesame Sauce
A vibrant vegetarian stir-fry featuring crispy tofu tossed with fresh ginger, scallions, and a nutty sesame sauce. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten-free option) ready in about 30 minutes blends extra-firm tofu, drained and cubed, ginger root, minced, stalks scallions, sliced thinly 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 4, 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 extra-firm tofu, drained and cubed
- 1 tbsp ginger root, minced
- 4 stalks scallions, sliced thinly
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 14 oz extra-firm tofu and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss tofu cubes with 1 tsp cornstarch to lightly coat.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium; add 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet along with 4 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Toss everything gently for 1 minute to coat tofu well and heat through.
- Step 6: Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger and Scallions in Sesame Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Ginger and Scallions in 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 Scallions in 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 Scallions in Sesame Sauce 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.
Is Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger and Scallions in Sesame Sauce 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.
