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

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

A vibrant stir-fry combining crispy tofu and fresh broccoli tossed in a fragrant ginger-sesame sauce for a wholesome vegetarian dinner. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu block for 15 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, heat 2 tbsp sesame oil over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and the dissolved 1 tsp cornstarch slurry. Pour sauce into skillet and cook, stirring, until sauce thickens and coats the broccoli, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently with broccoli and sauce. Cook for 1 more minute to combine flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles as desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Broccoli, and Ginger-Sesame Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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, Broccoli, and 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Broccoli, and 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, Broccoli, and 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.

Is Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Broccoli, and Ginger-Sesame Sauce 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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