Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Sauce

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

A colorful stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and fresh vegetables tossed in a bright ginger-sesame sauce, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal. This Asian-inspired healthy bowl recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, sesame oil, fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 ounces cubed firm tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil, then 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 large julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey until combined.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Toss gently and cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions on top before serving hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ginger-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 Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ginger-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 Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Sauce 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 Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Sauce vegetarian?

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

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