Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic Broccoli and Sesame
A vibrant vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes and tender broccoli florets tossed in a spicy garlic sesame sauce. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs broccoli florets, vegetable oil, 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 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 block, drained and cubed into 1-inch pieces firm tofu
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 sliced thinly green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the same skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cups broccoli florets and sauté for 4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; stir to coat broccoli.
- Step 5: Return tofu to skillet and toss gently to combine and heat through for 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tsp sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions on top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic Broccoli and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Spicy Garlic Broccoli and Sesame?
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 broccoli florets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic Broccoli and Sesame?
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 Spicy Garlic Broccoli and Sesame 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 Spicy Garlic Broccoli and Sesame 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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