Crispy Tofu Stir Fry with Soy Sesame Sauce
This crispy tofu stir fry delivers golden, pan-fried tofu with a rich, balanced soy sesame sauce that clings to every bite. Paired with vibrant vegetables and simple ingredients, it’s a quick, satisfying meal that feels like takeout but is lighter, healthier, and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 14 oz firm or extra firm tofu pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil for frying
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 carrot thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 green onions sliced
Stir Fry Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Pat the tofu dry with a paper towel and cut into cubes. Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Flip and cook on all sides until crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir fry until tender but still slightly crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sweetener, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
- Pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return tofu to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Top with green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the pan and let tofu sit before flipping. Customize with vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini. For a spicier version, add chili flakes or chili garlic sauce. Reheat in a pan instead of the microwave to maintain texture.