by: julioarco88Posted on:

Crispy Vegan Tofu & Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sesame Sauce

Julio A. Arco

M.Arch. Julio A. Arco is the creator of Vegan and Plant-Based Kitchen, a blog inspired by over a decade of plant-based living. What started as a personal health journey became a way of life centered on mindfulness, creativity, and nourishment—shared through delicious, approachable vegan recipes.

For more plant-based inspiration, explore the work of other voices that influence this blog: Minimalist Baker, Oh She Glows, The Full Helping, Nora Cooks, and Rainbow Plant Life.

Introduction

Few meals are as satisfying as a crispy, flavor-packed stir-fry, and this Crispy Vegan Tofu & Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sesame Sauce delivers everything you want in a quick, delicious, and nutritious dish. With golden-crisp tofu, tender-crunchy broccoli, and a bold, garlicky sesame sauce, this meal is the perfect combination of savory, umami-rich, and slightly sweet flavors.

Stir-fries are a fantastic go-to meal because they come together quickly, use simple ingredients, and can be easily customized based on what you have in your kitchen. This dish features crispy tofu, which is pan-fried to perfection, and broccoli, which is lightly stir-fried to retain its bright color and crisp texture. The garlic sesame sauce is the real star—made with soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and fresh garlic, it coats every bite with a deep, rich umami flavor.

Not only is this dish delicious and satisfying, but it’s also packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a well-balanced meal. Whether you serve it over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles, this crispy tofu stir-fry is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it and how to make it in just 30 minutes!

Why Choose This Crispy Vegan Tofu & Broccoli Stir-Fry?

This isn’t just any stir-fry—it’s crispy, bold, and loaded with flavor while still being incredibly easy to make. Here’s why you’ll love it:

1. Perfectly Crispy Tofu Without Deep Frying

  • The tofu is pan-fried with a light coating of cornstarch, making it crispy on the outside and tender inside.
  • Unlike deep-frying, this method uses less oil but still gives you amazing texture.

2. Rich, Umami-Packed Garlic Sesame Sauce

  • Made with garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup, this sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and deeply flavorful.
  • It coats the tofu and broccoli perfectly, ensuring every bite is delicious.

3. High in Protein, Fiber, and Healthy Fats

  • Tofu is an excellent plant-based protein source that keeps you full and energized.
  • Broccoli provides fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
  • Sesame oil and sesame seeds add healthy fats and a nutty depth of flavor.

4. Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 Minutes

  • This dish comes together in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Minimal chopping and simple ingredients make it a go-to meal when you need something fast and flavorful.

5. Customizable & Versatile

  • Swap out broccoli for bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
  • Adjust the spice level—add sriracha, chili flakes, or extra garlic for more heat.
  • Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for variety.

Picture Gallery

Ingredients

For the Crispy Tofu

  • 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for crispy coating)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado or sesame oil)

For the Stir-Fry

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Sesame Sauce

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or agave)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken sauce)

For Serving

  • Steamed rice, quinoa, or rice noodles
  • Extra sesame seeds and lime wedges

Ingredient Breakdown

Tofu: The Protein Powerhouse

Tofu is the perfect meat substitute, offering protein, calcium, and iron while absorbing flavors beautifully. Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, allowing it to crisp up perfectly when pan-fried.

Broccoli: Nutrient-Dense & Crunchy

Broccoli brings fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants while providing a slight crunch that complements the crispy tofu. Lightly stir-frying keeps it vibrant and slightly crisp rather than mushy.

Garlic Sesame Sauce: The Game-Changer

This sauce combines soy sauce, garlic, maple syrup, sesame oil, and vinegar to create a rich, umami-packed flavor that ties the dish together beautifully.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Tofu

  1. Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object (like a pan) on top for 10-15 minutes to remove excess water.
  2. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Coat with cornstarch: Toss tofu cubes in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Pan-Fry the Tofu

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli

  1. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
  2. Add broccoli florets, cooking for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  3. Stir in garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Sesame Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha.
  2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  1. Return the crispy tofu to the pan with the broccoli.
  2. Pour the garlic sesame sauce over everything, tossing to coat well.
  3. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the tofu and broccoli.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

  1. Serve hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
  2. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and lime wedges.

Tips and Variations

  • Make it extra crispy: Air-fry the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  • Spice it up: Add extra sriracha, chili flakes, or fresh Thai chilies.
  • Nut-Free Version: Replace sesame oil with avocado oil and skip the sesame seeds.
  • Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for variety.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~380
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fats: 14g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Iron: 3.5mg

Conclusion

This Crispy Vegan Tofu & Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sesame Sauce is the perfect weeknight meal—quick, easy, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a tofu lover or new to plant-based eating, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

Try it out and let me know your favorite variations in the comments below!

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates. Always consult a professional for dietary needs.

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