Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic Ginger Sauce
A colorful medley of crisp vegetables and golden tofu cubes tossed in a fragrant garlic-ginger soy sauce, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends broccoli florets, large, julienned carrot, snap peas into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, julienned carrot
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dissolved in 2 tbsp water cornstarch
- 2, sliced thinly green onions
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 julienned carrot, and 1 cup snap peas. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and the dissolved 1 tsp cornstarch mixture. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens and coats the vegetables.
- Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet, toss gently to combine and heat through. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic Ginger Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic Ginger Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic Ginger 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic Ginger 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic Ginger 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.