Stir-Fried Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sesame-Ginger Sauce
A vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and earthy shiitake mushrooms coated in a fragrant sesame-ginger sauce. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes blends firm tofu, pressed and cubed, shiitake mushrooms, sliced, sesame oil 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 firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, then 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender and edges begin to crisp.
- Step 3: Add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with sauce. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sesame-Ginger Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Shiitake Mushrooms and Sesame-Ginger Sauce?
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 Shiitake Mushrooms and Sesame-Ginger Sauce?
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 Shiitake Mushrooms and Sesame-Ginger Sauce 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 Shiitake Mushrooms and Sesame-Ginger Sauce 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.