Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame and Ginger
Crisp-tender vegetables and tofu coated in a savory-sweet sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh ginger for a satisfying weeknight meal. This asian-inspired quick meals (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 27 minutes pairs firm tofu, broccoli, carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 firm tofu
- 2 cups broccoli
- 1 medium carrot
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl to create a sauce.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and stir-fry for 5 minutes until golden brown, then set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves to the wok, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups broccoli florets and 1 julienned medium carrot, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 5: Return the tofu to the wok, pour in the sauce mixture, and stir-fry for 2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp sesame oil and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame and Ginger take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Stir-Fry with Sesame and Ginger?
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 Stir-Fry with Sesame and Ginger?
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 Stir-Fry with Sesame and Ginger 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Sesame and Ginger vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
