Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame and Broccoli
A colorful stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and tender broccoli tossed in a bold spicy sesame sauce. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs broccoli florets, sesame oil, soy sauce 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, pressed and cubed extra firm tofu
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, and 2 tbsp water. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Step 6: Return crispy tofu to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the sauce. Cook for 1 additional minute.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions over the dish before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame and Broccoli 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 Sesame and Broccoli?
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 Sesame and Broccoli?
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 Sesame and Broccoli 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 Sesame and Broccoli 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.
