Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger-Sesame Glaze

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

Crispy cubes of tofu stir-fried with fresh ginger and coated in a glossy sesame-soy glaze, served over steamed rice for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, canola oil, 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes (pressed and cut into 1-inch pieces) and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until bottoms are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Flip the tofu cubes and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Push tofu to the side of the pan and add 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves to the empty space. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour this glaze over the tofu and ginger mixture in the pan.
  5. Step 5: Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu evenly. Sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions over the top before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger-Sesame Glaze 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-Sesame 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 firm tofu from drying out.

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

What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger-Sesame Glaze?

Asian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes