Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger, Scallions, and Sesame

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

Crisp tofu stir-fried with fresh ginger and scallions, finished with a nutty sesame sauce for vibrant flavor. This asian-inspired new year (gluten free option) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz firm tofu cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the tofu cubes in a single layer; cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring until the bottoms are golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the tofu cubes and cook for another 4 minutes until all sides are crispy; remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 4 sliced scallions; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using; cook for 1 minute until sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds over the tofu and garnish with extra scallions before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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, Scallions, 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger, Scallions, 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, Scallions, 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, Scallions, and Sesame gluten free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes