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Crispy Sesame Ginger Tofu Stir Fry - featured image

Crispy Sesame Ginger Tofu Stir Fry


  • Author: Luciana
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick, 20-minute weeknight meal featuring extra-firm tofu seared until shatteringly crisp, tossed in a savory-sweet ginger sesame sauce with broccoli and red bell peppers.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (14-16 oz) extra-firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Drain the tofu and pat it very dry with paper towels. Press under a heavy object for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Cut the tofu block in half horizontally, then slice each half into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Place tofu cubes in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and toss. Add cornstarch and toss gently until every cube is lightly dusted.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Add tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy on one side.
  6. Flip the tofu and cook for another 3-4 minutes until all sides are crispy. Remove tofu to a plate and set aside.
  7. Wipe out the skillet if needed and add a tiny splash of oil if necessary. Add broccoli and red bell pepper, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  8. Add the white parts of the green onions and cook for 30 seconds.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water.
  10. Return the tofu to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and toss gently for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the ingredients.
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with the dark green parts of the green onions and roasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Ensure tofu is extra-firm and patted completely dry to achieve crispiness. Do not crowd the pan when searing tofu, as this causes steaming instead of frying. Use fresh ginger for the best flavor. For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 12
  • Sodium: 680
  • Fat: 16
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 18

Keywords: tofu stir fry, crispy tofu, sesame ginger, quick dinner, vegan dinner, weeknight meal, healthy stir fry, gluten-free option