Stir-Fried Tofu with San Francisco Bay Vegetables
A quick and vibrant stir-fry featuring tofu and fresh seasonal vegetables inspired by the San Francisco Bay region. This asian fusion-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs sesame oil, inch piece, minced ginger root, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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 cubed extra-firm tofu
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 inch piece, minced ginger root
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 medium, sliced red bell pepper
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2, sliced scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil to the skillet. Stir in 1 inch minced ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 medium sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry vegetables for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar until sugar dissolves. Pour sauce over vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and stir gently to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes until everything is heated through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with San Francisco Bay Vegetables 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 San Francisco Bay Vegetables?
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 sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with San Francisco Bay Vegetables?
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 San Francisco Bay Vegetables for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 San Francisco Bay Vegetables 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.