Sesame Ginger Tofu and Veggie Stir Fry

By Alexandra Caspero on March 9, 2018
Sesame Ginger Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry! Looking for a healthy dinner option? This is it!
Serves 4

Perfectly crisp tofu, broccoli and carrots in a sesame-ginger-garlic sauce. 

I hired a babysitter for an entire day last week and honestly, it was the best thing I’ve done in a long time. I know I’m not supposed to say things like this out loud, but I really needed a break from Vander. I love my son more than anything but he’s intensely needy. What, being 5 months old and all.

BL was traveling for work and after playing a single mom for three days, I was about ready to pull my own hair out. To those of you who are in this role all of time, you are my heroes. As the daughter of a single mom you’d think I’d have more appreciation for the energy, patience and love it takes, but it didn’t really hit me until I didn’t have my own partner by my side.

So, I took a break. I hired a babysitter and went to the gym. I went grocery shopping. I cleaned my house without having a baby strapped to me. I went to lunch by myself. It might have been a silly waste of money to have someone else do my job as a mom, but it was essential for my sanity. I know I’m a good mom but I can’t be a good mom if I have to be a mom all of the time.

When I got back, I was in a much better place and so excited to see Vander again. We put on some music, I threw him in the sling and we made this yummy dinner together. A simple stir-fry of tofu and veggies with brown rice. It was easy and nourishing, the perfect pairing after my reset-button day.

Vegan And Glutenfree Tofu Stirfry

Sesame Ginger Tofu and Veggie Stir Fry

I think you are going to love this weeknight meal as much as I did. I know that many of you are looking for new tofu recipes and this stir-fry dinner is the perfect way to add more soy into your life.

I’m a big tofu fan; there is so much confusion out there surrounding this food and most of it is unwarranted. (PS- I wrote this recent article for Women’s Health on the health benefits of soyfoods) While I don’t eat soy everyday, I try and eat tofu at least 3-4 times a week and this stir-fry is a simple way to get in this nutrient-rich food.

Crispy Pan Fried Tofu

Here’s the trick for crispy pan-fried tofu: use a little cornstarch. Yup, if you want restaurant quality tofu without a ton of oil, you need a little cornstarch. Or, arrowroot starch for those of you who can’t have corn. Toss the pressed and cubed tofu with cornstarch, then pan fry in a smidge of oil. The cornstarch creates a crispy crust that allows the tofu to hold its shape after you add the sauce.

Broccoli and carrots are my favorite stir-fry vegetables, but anything will work. That’s the other beauty of this dinner, it’s completely customizable to what you have on hand. The sauce is slightly sweet and plenty garlicky which means it will taste great with whatever you pair it with.

Serve with brown rice, white rice or your favorite grain. I’ve been loving the microwave packets of brown rice from Trader Joe’s; they are ready in just 3 minutes and taste great.

Stir Fry Tofu Broccoli And Carrots

More Healthy Tofu Dinner Recipes:

Chipotle Tofu Sofritas Tacos
Greek Salad with Tofu Feta
Sheet Pan Spicy Tofu
Tofu Kebobs with Mint Pesto
Buffalo Tofu Salad

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking! 

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Sesame Ginger Tofu Stir Fry

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Sesame Ginger Tofu Stir Fry

Sesame Ginger Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry

  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: dinner, main
  • Cuisine: Asian, Vegetarian, GlutenFree, Vegan, American

Description

Sesame Ginger Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry! Looking for a healthy dinner option? This is it! Perfectly crisp tofu, broccoli and carrots in a sesame-ginger-garlic sauce. Vegan & Gluten-Free.


  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: dinner, main
  • Cuisine: Asian, Vegetarian, GlutenFree, Vegan, American
  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: dinner, main
  • Cuisine: Asian, Vegetarian, GlutenFree, Vegan, American
Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 (14 ounce) extra-firm tofu, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice, for serving
  • Sesame Ginger Sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free version
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: you can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy object on top. Let sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables.
  2. Cube the tofu and toss with the salt and cornstarch until evenly coated.
  3. Whisk together the ingredients for the sauce and set aside: garlic, ginger, maple syrup, soy sauce, water, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar.
  4. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the tofu. Let fry for 2-3 minutes until crispy, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes more until golden brown all over. Add 2 tablespoons of the sauce and let cook until tofu is caramelized.
  5. Remove the tofu and add another teaspoon or so of olive oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli and carrots and stir-fry until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sauce and the cooked tofu and cook 1-2 more additional minute until sauce is mostly absorbed.
  6. Serve with cooked brown rice.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4th stir-fry and 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 831 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 17 g

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Sesame Ginger Tofu Stirfry

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Meet Alex Caspero

Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Chef, and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.

(14 comments) leave a comment

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    1. Mary Beth Modena
      November 27, 2018 AT 7:10 am

      Love this recipe! The stir fry sauce is really delicious and made my first attempt at serving tofu a success! You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
      Thanks Alex!






      1. Alex
        November 28, 2018 AT 8:08 am

        Yay! So glad you liked it Mary Beth! Thanks for the comment 🙂

    2. Paige
      November 10, 2018 AT 4:24 pm

      A new favorite stir fry recipe!! Love the ginger and the subtle sweetness…great way to get the kids and husband to eat tofu too! Thanks Alex!






      1. Alex
        November 11, 2018 AT 8:48 am

        Love heardin hat!

    3. Nicole
      April 19, 2018 AT 9:26 am

      how does the nutritional values change if you don’t do the rice?

      1. Alex
        April 23, 2018 AT 10:32 am

        Hi Nicole, a 1/2 cup serving of rice is 121 calories.

    4. Donna
      March 21, 2018 AT 3:33 pm

      Hi, wondering what I can use in place of the maple syrup. Three living at home in my family and none use sugar sweeteners which unfortunately includes maple syrup (which we all love ). However, we do use a Maple flavored sugar free pancake syrup. Or I do have maple extract. I was going to try the maple extract but that probably has sugar too? Thanks






      1. xtine
        December 8, 2018 AT 9:32 pm

        I used honey in place of the syrup and it was delish (and probably more nutrish)!

      2. Alex
        March 22, 2018 AT 6:31 pm

        Hi Donna, I’m not sure as I haven’t tried this with pancake syrup before… it should have a similar flavor, but I’d cut back on the amount as sugar-free sweeteners tend to be more sweet. Start with a little, then add more if needed.

    5. Emily
      March 13, 2018 AT 4:29 am

      This was exactly what I was looking for—a quick, simple, satisfying supper. My tofu never crisped up (maybe it was too crowded in the pan?), but my family enjoyed this recipe anyway!






      1. Alex
        March 13, 2018 AT 6:40 am

        Glad you liked it Emily! Two thoughts (that I’ll add to the recipe as well)- a nonstick or cast-iron pan works best for crispy tofu like this. I tried it last night using my stainless steel pan and it didn’t get golden brown like it does when I use my cast-iron. Also, let the tofu crisp until the water seeps out; pulling it before it’s released from the pan will remove the crispy outside.

        1. Emily
          March 13, 2018 AT 7:38 pm

          Thanks for troubleshooting! I think the pan must be the difference. I’ll drag out the cast iron next time (and I will be making this recipe again)






          1. Alex
            March 14, 2018 AT 9:38 am

            Let me know how it works out with your cast iron!

    6. Emily @ Zen & Spice
      March 12, 2018 AT 8:06 pm

      Great tip about the cornstarch!! I’ll have to try that next time!

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