Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu and Broccoli in Ginger-Sesame Sauce

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

Tofu and broccoli stir-fried with a savory and aromatic ginger-sesame sauce for a healthy and satisfying plant-based dish. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs extra-firm tofu, broccoli florets, carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and 1 julienned medium carrot, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well to coat vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, tossing gently to combine and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens and clings to tofu and veggies.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu and Broccoli in Ginger-Sesame 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 Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu and Broccoli in Ginger-Sesame 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 Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu and Broccoli in Ginger-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 Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu and Broccoli in Ginger-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.

What goes well with Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu and Broccoli in Ginger-Sesame Sauce?

Asian Fusion 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.

Related recipes