Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame Dust and Ginger
Golden stir-fried tofu tossed in a toasted sesame seed dust and fresh ginger sauce, delivering a nutty, aromatic vegan main. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 32 minutes pairs (1 block) extra firm tofu, toasted sesame seeds, minced fresh ginger 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz (1 block) extra firm tofu
- 3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 sliced green onions
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain 14 oz extra firm tofu and press with paper towels for 15 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Grind 3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until coarse powder forms the sesame dust.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then add the tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Step 4: Add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 2 sliced green onions to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and drizzle 2 tsp sesame oil over the tofu. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp black pepper and 2 tbsp sesame dust, tossing everything together for 2 minutes until the tofu is evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Serve immediately garnished with extra sesame dust if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame Dust and Ginger take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 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 Dust and Ginger?
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 (1 block) extra firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame Dust and Ginger?
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 Dust and Ginger 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 Dust and Ginger 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.
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