Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame Garlic Sauce

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

A colorful medley of crisp-tender vegetables and tofu tossed in a savory sesame garlic sauce, perfect for a quick vegan meal. This Asian-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs extra-firm tofu, broccoli florets, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 large thinly sliced carrot, and 1 cup snap peas. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet, pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Stir well.
  5. Step 5: Add the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water) and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Garlic 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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame Garlic 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 Sesame Garlic 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 Sesame Garlic Sauce vegan?

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

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