Stir-Fried Vegetable and Tofu with Sesame Oil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, protein-packed stir-fry with crisp vegetables and nutty sesame flavor, ready in 25 minutes. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegan, high protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Extra firm tofu, Broccoli florets, Carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 200 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 ounces extra firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water until coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 ounces tofu cubes and cook for 5 minutes until golden on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 cup broccoli florets and 1/2 cup sliced carrots, stir-frying for 4 minutes until crisp-tender. Whisk 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then pour over vegetables. Stir until sauce thickens and coats vegetables, about 2 minutes. Return tofu to the skillet and toss to coat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Vegetable and Tofu with Sesame Oil take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Vegetable and Tofu with Sesame Oil?

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 extra firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Vegetable and Tofu with Sesame Oil?

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 Vegetable and Tofu with Sesame Oil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Vegetable and Tofu with Sesame Oil vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes