Vegetarian Sesame Stir-Fry with Tofu and Broccoli

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

A colorful and nutritious vegetarian stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and tender broccoli in a savory sesame sauce. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs block firm tofu, broccoli florets, sesame oil 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 Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Sauté 3 cups broccoli florets for 4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to broccoli; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Pour sauce mixture into skillet with broccoli, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli, about 2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Return tofu to the skillet and toss gently to combine and heat through for 2 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Serve sprinkled with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Sesame Stir-Fry with Tofu and Broccoli 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 Vegetarian Sesame Stir-Fry with Tofu and Broccoli?

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 block firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Sesame Stir-Fry with Tofu and Broccoli?

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 Vegetarian Sesame Stir-Fry with Tofu and Broccoli 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 Vegetarian Sesame Stir-Fry with Tofu and Broccoli 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.

Related recipes