Zoo Garden Stir-Fry with Sesame Sauce
A colorful medley of vegetables and tofu simmered in a nutty sesame sauce, perfect for a vibrant vegetarian weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes blends pressed and cubed firm tofu, cut into florets broccoli, sliced bell peppers 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 120 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, pressed and cubed firm tofu
- 2 cups, cut into florets broccoli
- 1 cup, sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup, julienned carrots
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp, minced ginger
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp minced ginger, and 1 tsp cornstarch in a small bowl to create the sauce.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 14 oz cubed tofu and stir-fry for 5 minutes until golden on all sides, then set aside.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet, then add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 cup sliced bell peppers, and 1 cup julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender, then return tofu to the skillet. Pour sauce over ingredients and stir-fry for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zoo Garden Stir-Fry with Sesame Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Zoo Garden Stir-Fry with 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 Zoo Garden Stir-Fry with 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 Zoo Garden Stir-Fry with 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 Zoo Garden Stir-Fry with 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this zoo are incredible.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
