Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame-Ginger Sauce and Snow Peas
Crisp-tender snow peas and firm tofu tossed in a savory sesame-ginger sauce for a quick, vibrant vegetarian stir-fry. This asian-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends cornstarch, vegetable oil, finely grated fresh ginger root into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra-firm tofu
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger root
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 8 oz, trimmed snow peas
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp, for garnish sesame seeds
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced, for garnish scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed extra-firm tofu cubes with 2 tbsp cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until bottoms are golden and crispy.
- Step 3: Flip tofu pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes until all sides are crisp. Remove tofu from pan and set aside.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 8 oz trimmed snow peas and stir-fry for 2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Step 6: Stir together 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 1 tsp honey, then pour into the pan and toss with snow peas.
- Step 7: Return tofu to the pan and toss gently with vegetables and sauce for 1 minute to heat through and coat evenly.
- Step 8: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced scallions before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame-Ginger Sauce and Snow Peas take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame-Ginger Sauce and Snow Peas?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame-Ginger Sauce and Snow Peas?
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-Ginger Sauce and Snow Peas 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-Ginger Sauce and Snow Peas 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.