Vegetarian Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews

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

A quick stir-fry combining crispy tofu, fresh broccoli, and crunchy cashews tossed in a savory soy-garlic sauce. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, 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 3 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: 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; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Sauté 3 cups broccoli florets for 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Pour sauce into skillet and bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet and toss everything to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats tofu and broccoli.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1/3 cup toasted cashews and 2 sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews?

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 Vegetarian Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews?

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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews 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.

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