Tofu Stir-fry with Quinoa and Broccoli
A vibrant, protein-packed vegan meal with crispy pan-fried tofu and tender broccoli in a savory, tangy homemade sauce. Served over fluffy quinoa, it's a perfect healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner, made entirely from fresh ingredients.
For 4 servings
Cook the quinoa
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Prepare the crispy tofu
- While the quinoa cooks, heat 1 tbsp of sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed tofu in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
Build the aromatic base
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp of sesame oil to the same pan.
- Add the sliced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the fresh tomato puree and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and the raw smell disappears.
Stir-fry the broccoli and combine
- Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add a splash of water and cover for 2 minutes to steam if you prefer it softer.
- Return the crispy tofu to the pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, maple syrup, and 1/4 cup of water. Pour this mixture into the pan and toss to coat everything.
- In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
Serve the stir-fry
- Divide the cooked quinoa among four bowls.
- Top with the tofu and broccoli stir-fry.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy tofu, press it for at least 30 minutes before cubing to remove as much water as possible.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the tofu; it will steam instead of crisping up. Cook in batches if needed.
- 3The homemade sauce gets its savory depth from cooked tomato puree and tang from tamarind. Adjust the maple syrup and lemon juice to your taste.
- 4Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas along with the broccoli.
- 5This dish is great for meal prep. Store the quinoa and stir-fry in separate containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add 1 cup of shelled edamame along with the broccoli for an extra boost of plant-based protein.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes with the garlic and ginger to give the dish a spicy kick.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure your tamarind paste is certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Cut the broccoli into very small, bite-sized pieces and ensure the tofu is well-browned and crispy. You can reduce the tamarind slightly for a less tangy flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Complete Plant-Based Protein
Both tofu and quinoa are complete proteins, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth.
Rich in Fiber
Quinoa and broccoli are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Broccoli is a powerhouse of Vitamin C and K, while tofu provides essential minerals like calcium, manganese, and iron.
Heart-Healthy
This dish is low in saturated fat and sodium, and free of cholesterol. The use of fresh ingredients supports cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this is a very healthy meal. It's packed with plant-based protein from tofu and quinoa, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from sesame oil. The homemade sauce is low in sodium and free from processed additives.



