Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic-Sesame Sauce

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-01 · Updated 2026-05-01

Golden pan-fried tofu tossed in a bold, spicy garlic and sesame sauce with crisp vegetables. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, canola oil 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving

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Ingredients

14 oz, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
3 tbsp cornstarch
4 tbsp canola oil
1 medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper
1 cup, trimmed snap peas
3, sliced green onions
3 cloves, finely minced garlic cloves
1 tbsp, grated ginger
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: Lightly toss 14 oz firm tofu cubes in 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup snap peas, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over. Toss gently and cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats tofu and vegetables.
Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic-Sesame Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Sesame Sauce?

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 Spicy Garlic-Sesame 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 Spicy Garlic-Sesame 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic-Sesame Sauce?

Asian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.