Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame
Quick pan-seared tofu and colorful vegetables in a savory sesame-ginger sauce, served over steamed rice. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs pressed and cubed firm tofu, vegetable oil, broccoli florets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cubed firm tofu
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1, sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup, julienned carrots
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 4 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown; set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sliced bell pepper, and 1 cup julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil; pour over vegetables and tofu in skillet, stirring to combine.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp sesame seeds and serve over 4 cups cooked rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame?
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 pressed and cubed firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame?
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 Sesame 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.
What goes well with Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame?
Asian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.