Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger and Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden cubes of tofu stir-fried with aromatic ginger and toasted sesame seeds, finished with a savory soy glaze for a satisfying vegan entrée. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, cornstarch, canola oil 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 14 oz of extra firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp, turning carefully.
  3. Step 3: Push tofu to the side and add 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves to the empty side of the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Mix 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil in a small bowl, then pour the sauce over the tofu and ginger-garlic mixture. Toss gently to coat and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions, then serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Ginger and Sesame?

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 extra firm tofu from drying out.

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

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 Sesame 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 Sesame 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.

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