Ginger Soy Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe

Zesty Ginger Soy Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe: A Flavorful Weeknight Win

Crafting a delectable ginger soy tofu stir-fry can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a flavor-packed adventure.

Crisp vegetables and tender tofu dance together in a savory sauce that tingles your taste buds.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this quick and satisfying meal.

Home chefs appreciate how simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary.

Protein-rich tofu absorbs the complex flavors of ginger and soy, making each bite burst with umami goodness.

Asian-inspired cuisine doesn’t get easier or more delightful than this remarkable dish.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and make magic happen in the kitchen tonight!

Why Ginger Soy Tofu Stir-Fry Works

  • Packed with colorful vegetables and protein-rich tofu, this dish offers a wholesome and balanced meal that's both tasty and nutritious.
  • Easily adjust the sauce's spiciness with sriracha, swap vegetables, or experiment with different protein options to make this recipe uniquely yours.
  • Achieve crispy, golden tofu and a restaurant-worthy sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Ginger Soy Tofu Stir-Fry

Main Protein:
  • Tofu: Versatile soy protein that absorbs flavors beautifully.
Aromatics:
  • Ginger, Garlic: Adds warm, sharp flavor base to the stir-fry.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Maple Syrup, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil: Creates balanced sweet and savory sauce.
  • Sriracha: Provides optional spicy kick.
Stir-Fry Vegetables:
  • Mixed Vegetables: Adds crunch and nutritional variety.
Coating and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Cornstarch: Helps create crispy tofu exterior.
  • Cooking Oil: Enables high-heat cooking and prevents sticking.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Adds fresh flavor and textural contrast.

How to Make Ginger Soy Tofu Stir-Fry

How to Make Ginger Soy Tofu Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare Tasty Tofu Cubes

Gently squeeze out excess water from the tofu block using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Slice the tofu into neat, bite-sized cubes.

Dust the cubes with cornstarch, ensuring each piece gets a light, even coating that will create a crispy exterior when cooked.

Step 2: Create Crispy Golden Tofu

Heat a large skillet or wok with cooking oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes into the hot pan.

Let them sizzle and transform, turning each side to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crunch.

This process takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Once perfectly crispy, transfer the tofu to a separate plate.

Step 3: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine these vibrant ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Maple syrup
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Freshly grated ginger
  • Minced garlic
  • Sriracha sauce

Whisk the ingredients together until they form a harmonious, glossy mixture that promises incredible flavor.

Step 4: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

Using the same pan, add a splash of oil.

Toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.

Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, keeping them bright, crisp, and full of nutrients.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the crispy tofu to the pan with the sautéed vegetables.

Pour the prepared sauce over the top, gently tossing to ensure every morsel gets coated.

Let everything simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and cling to the tofu and vegetables.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve your vibrant stir-fry over steamed rice or tender noodles.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions and a generous handful of toasted sesame seeds.

Ginger Soy Tofu Stir-Fry Helpful Tips

  • Remove excess moisture by wrapping tofu in clean kitchen towels and placing a heavy object on top for 10-15 minutes, ensuring a crispier texture when pan-frying.
  • Toss tofu cubes in cornstarch just before cooking to develop a golden, crunchy exterior that holds sauce beautifully and prevents sticking to the pan.
  • Adjust maple syrup and sriracha levels to match your taste preferences, creating a personalized sweet-spicy profile that complements the tofu's mild flavor.
  • Slice vegetables uniformly and stir-fry briefly to maintain their vibrant colors and crisp texture, preventing them from becoming soggy or overcooked.
  • Replace tofu with tempeh or seitan for different protein options, maintaining the same cooking technique and delicious ginger-soy sauce base.

Storing Ginger Soy Tofu Stir-Fry

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping tofu and vegetables fresh and flavorful.
  • Warm portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain crispy texture.
  • Quickly reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out, stirring gently for 2-3 minutes.
  • Freeze sauce separately from tofu and vegetables in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What Goes Well with Tofu Stir-Fry

  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling with bright acidity that complements the ginger-soy flavors and cuts through the richness of the tofu.
  • Serve with Jasmine Green Tea: Brew a light, fragrant jasmine green tea that echoes the Asian-inspired ingredients and cleanses the palate between bites of the stir-fry.
  • Match with Sesame-Sprinkled Rice: Prepare short-grain Japanese rice topped with extra toasted sesame seeds to enhance the nutty undertones of the dish and provide a perfect base for absorbing the savory sauce.
  • Enhance with Quick Cucumber Pickle: Quickly pickle thin cucumber slices in rice vinegar and a touch of sugar to add a refreshing, tangy side that balances the stir-fry's warm, bold flavors.

Fun Variations of Tofu Stir-Fry

  • Protein Swap Stir-Fry: Replace tofu with chicken, shrimp, or tempeh for a different protein experience with identical cooking method.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder for coating.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip rice or noodles, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining full flavor profile.
  • Vegetable Medley Alternative: Customize vegetable mix using bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or whatever seasonal produce you prefer for varied nutrition and taste.

FAQs

  • How do I get the tofu crispy?

Press the tofu to remove moisture, then coat it in cornstarch before pan-frying. Use medium-high heat and cook each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. This helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.

  • Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! This stir-fry is versatile. Try bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and choose vegetables that maintain their crunch.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The current recipe has a mild heat from sriracha, but you can adjust the spice level. Add more sriracha for extra kick or reduce it for a milder flavor. You can also substitute with chili flakes or skip the spicy element entirely.

  • What if I'm gluten-sensitive?

Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar rich, umami flavor without containing wheat. Double-check the label to ensure it’s certified gluten-free.

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Ginger Soy Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe

Ginger Soy Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling woks and bold flavors come together in this ginger soy tofu stir-fry, a quick Asian-inspired dish packed with umami and protein. Crispy tofu cubes dance with colorful vegetables, promising a delicious meal that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 block (14 ounces / 400 grams) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed

Vegetables:

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, etc.)
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Cooking and Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Drain tofu and gently press out excess moisture for 10 minutes, ensuring a firmer texture for cooking. Cube the tofu into uniform pieces and lightly coat with cornstarch for a crispy exterior.
  2. Warm a skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Carefully place tofu cubes into the pan, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer crispy tofu to a separate plate.
  3. Craft a vibrant sauce by blending soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, crushed garlic, and a touch of sriracha in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  4. Using the same skillet, introduce fresh oil and quickly sauté vegetables. Maintain high heat to preserve their crisp texture and bright colors, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Reintroduce the golden tofu cubes into the vegetable mixture. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients, gently tossing to ensure complete coating. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Transfer the aromatic stir-fry to a serving dish atop steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Optimize tofu texture by thoroughly pressing with a weighted plate to extract maximum moisture, ensuring crispier, more golden-brown edges during pan-frying.
  • Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder for gluten-free version or use rice flour for extra crunchiness on tofu surface.
  • Adjust sauce spiciness by modifying sriracha quantity, allowing personalized heat levels for different taste preferences.
  • Consider adding protein variety like tempeh or seitan for alternative plant-based protein options in this versatile stir-fry recipe.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 15 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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