Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger, Garlic, and Sesame
Crisp-tender tofu cubes stir-fried with fresh ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame seeds for a flavorful vegetarian entrée. This asian-inspired vegan (vegetarian, vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs soy sauce, sesame oil, minced fresh ginger 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz extra firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add tofu cubes to the hot oil and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides are golden and crisp.
- Step 3: Push tofu to the side and add 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the center of the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir the tofu into the aromatics, then add 3 tbsp soy sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger, Garlic, 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, Garlic, 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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger, Garlic, 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, Garlic, 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, Garlic, and Sesame vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, 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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