Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame and Scallions

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

A vibrant vegetarian stir-fry featuring crisp tofu cubes tossed in a savory sesame sauce with fresh scallions. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs firm tofu, sesame oil, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 14 oz firm tofu and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes gently with 1 tbsp cornstarch to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp water, stirring to combine. Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Stir for 30 seconds until scallions soften slightly and tofu is glazed. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Sesame and Scallions?

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 Sesame and Scallions?

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 Sesame and Scallions 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 Sesame and Scallions vegetarian?

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

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