Simple Ginger-Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry
A quick and healthy weeknight winner, this Ginger-Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry features crispy pan-fried tofu and vibrant vegetables coated in a savory, aromatic sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
**Prepare Tofu:** Press the block of extra-firm tofu for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess water. This can be done by wrapping it in paper towels, placing it between two plates, and weighing it down with something heavy. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
**Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. In a separate tiny bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth to create a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the main sauce mixture and whisk well to combine.
**Cook Tofu:** Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the crispy tofu from the pan and set aside.
**Stir-fry Vegetables:** Add the broccoli florets to the same pan (add a tiny bit more oil if needed). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Add the sliced red bell pepper and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender-crisp but still have a slight bite.
**Combine and Sauce:** Return the cooked tofu to the pan with the vegetables. Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk again (as cornstarch can settle) and pour it evenly over the tofu and vegetables.
**Thicken Sauce:** Toss everything gently for 1-2 minutes, continuously stirring, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats all the ingredients.
**Serve:** Remove from heat. Serve immediately over hot cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Press Tofu Thoroughly:** Don't skip pressing the tofu! This step is crucial for achieving a firm texture and allowing the tofu to crisp up beautifully in the pan.
- 2**Mise en Place:** Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking. Stir-fries cook very quickly, so you'll want everything ready to go.
- 3**Don't Overcrowd the Pan:** Cook the tofu and vegetables in batches if your pan isn't large enough to hold them in a single layer. Overcrowding will steam the ingredients instead of browning them, preventing crispiness.
- 4**Adjust Spice Level:** For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or drizzle with sriracha before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Swap
Feel free to use other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, baby corn, or spinach. Add them according to their cooking times.
Add ProteinAdd Protein
For an extra protein boost, add pre-cooked edamame, chickpeas, or pan-seared chicken strips or shrimp alongside the tofu.
Nutty FlavorNutty Flavor
Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter (or almond butter) into the sauce for a richer, nutty flavor profile, creating a 'peanut' stir-fry.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Tofu is an excellent source of complete plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety, making this a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Packed with Vitamins and Fiber
Broccoli and bell peppers are loaded with vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, supporting immune health, digestion, and providing essential nutrients.
Heart-Healthy Ingredients
This dish uses healthy fats from sesame oil and lean plant-based protein, contributing to a heart-healthy diet and helping to manage cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
The key to extra crispy tofu is thorough pressing to remove as much water as possible. You can also toss the pressed tofu cubes with 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch before frying; this creates an even crispier exterior.
