Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger, Garlic, and Sesame Soy Glaze
Crisp tofu cubes stir-fried with fresh ginger and garlic, coated in a savory-sweet sesame soy glaze for an easy vegan Asian-inspired dish. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs canola oil, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic 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 block, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 thinly sliced (green parts only) scallions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until the underside is golden and crisp.
- Step 2: Flip tofu cubes and cook for another 3 minutes until all sides are golden and crisp.
- Step 3: Add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with tofu, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, stirring gently to coat the tofu evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the tofu.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced scallions over the top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger, Garlic, and Sesame Soy Glaze 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 Soy Glaze?
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 canola oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger, Garlic, and Sesame Soy Glaze?
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 Soy Glaze 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 Soy Glaze vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
