Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame Sauce
Colorful vegetables stir-fried with crispy tofu in a savory sesame sauce for a quick and healthy vegan meal. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes blends medium, julienned carrot, broccoli florets, stalks, sliced green onions 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, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 stalks, sliced green onions
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh minced ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp, toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 14 oz extra firm tofu dry and cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 julienned carrot, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 2 cups broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, pour the sauce over, and stir gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats tofu and vegetables.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame 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 Sesame 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 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Sesame 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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