All products are selected by our editorial team for quality. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry stands out as a deliciously satisfying and nutritious plant-based meal that’s perfect for any weeknight.
The recipe shines with its crispy tofu, which provides a rich source of high-quality plant protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
The vibrant broccoli adds a hefty dose of fiber, vitamins C and A, and antioxidants, supporting digestion and immune function.
With the use of heart-healthy oils like canola or grapeseed and just a touch of toasted sesame oil, this dish offers good fats while remaining low in saturated fat.
The flavorful ginger-garlic-hoisin sauce delivers a punch of taste without excess calories.
Beyond nutrition, the recipe is quick to prepare (ready in just 30 minutes), making it ideal for busy households or meal prep enthusiasts.
Its balance of texture, flavor, and wholesome ingredients makes it a versatile staple that fits seamlessly into a health-conscious lifestyle.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Nonstick Skillet
Essential for cooking the tofu and broccoli evenly without sticking, ensuring crispy tofu cubes and tender-crisp broccoli. A good nonstick skillet also simplifies cleanup, making weeknight cooking effortless.
Mixing Bowl
Perfect for combining the flavorful sauce ingredients uniformly. A versatile kitchen staple, a sturdy mixing bowl is invaluable for marinating, tossing salads, and prepping many recipes.
Measuring Spoons
Accurate measurement of spices, sauces, and oils ensures consistent flavor every time. Precise measuring spoons are indispensable for any cook aiming for reliable results.
Rimmed Baking Sheet or Plate
Used for drying and evenly coating tofu cubes with cornstarch, this tool keeps the tofu pieces separated to maximize crispiness. Beyond this recipe, a rimmed baking sheet is great for roasting and baking tasks.
Spatula or Sturdy Spoon
Necessary for gently tossing and turning the tofu during cooking to achieve an even golden crust without breaking apart. A high-quality spatula is a kitchen workhorse for sautéing and stirring.
Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry
Equipment
- 1 Large Nonstick Skillet or Wok
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- Measuring spoons
- 1 rimmed baking sheet or large plate
- Spatula or sturdy spoon
Ingredients
- 1 block 12 to 14 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch divided (plus 1 teaspoon reserved)
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon garlic finely minced (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil such as canola, grapeseed, or vegetable, divided, plus extra if needed
- 2 heads of broccoli trimmed and cut into florets (approximately 5 to 6 cups)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 green onions chopped (about ½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving
Instructions
- Prepare and Dry Tofu: Drain the tofu block and gently pat it dry using paper towels. Change the towels a few times to soak up as much moisture as possible. Press the tofu lightly to remove extra water without causing it to crumble. Slice the block horizontally into two slabs, then cut into roughly 1-inch cubes. Arrange the cubes on a large plate or a rimmed baking sheet, and gently pat them dry again to ensure minimal moisture for better crisping.
- Coat Tofu with Cornstarch: Gradually sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the tofu cubes. To get an even coating, add the cornstarch in small increments (about half a tablespoon at a time), tossing gently after each addition with your fingers until the cubes are lightly but thoroughly dusted.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce, water, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Set this flavorful mixture aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of the neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the broccoli florets along with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook until the broccoli becomes bright green and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set aside.
- Sear the Tofu: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook, turning gently every 3 minutes or so, until golden and crisp on all sides. The tofu may stick together or crumble slightly; use a sturdy spoon to separate pieces carefully. Don’t worry about any crumbles—they add extra texture and flavor.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the tofu. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the mixture and stir to coat everything well. Let it cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is heated through. Remove from heat, stir in the toasted sesame oil and chopped green onions, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve: Serve your broccoli tofu stir fry hot, alongside cooked brown rice or quinoa for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until heated through.
- Freezing Tips: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Tofu Tip: Make sure to press and dry the tofu thoroughly to get the crispiest texture.
- Oil Choices: Neutral oils with high smoke points like canola or grapeseed work best for stir-frying.
Chef’s Secrets for Crispy Tofu Perfection
Achieving perfectly crispy tofu is the heart of this stir fry, and a few key tips make all the difference.
First, pressing the tofu thoroughly removes excess moisture, allowing it to crisp up nicely when cooked.
Patting it dry both before and after cutting helps eliminate surface water that can cause sogginess.
Coating the tofu gradually and evenly with cornstarch ensures a light, crunchy crust without clumps.
Using a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or grapeseed, lets you cook at the right temperature for browning without burning.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the tofu; giving each piece enough space helps them brown evenly.
Stir the tofu gently and use a sturdy spatula to break apart any stuck pieces — these crumbled bits add delightful texture.
Finally, adding toasted sesame oil at the end provides a fragrant finish that elevates the whole dish.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal
This broccoli tofu stir fry pairs beautifully with cooked brown rice or quinoa for a hearty, balanced meal.
For extra texture and flavor, consider serving alongside steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice if you’re aiming for a lower-carb option.
A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime can add a bright, fresh note.
For a bit of heat, drizzle with chili garlic sauce or add sliced fresh chilies during cooking.
Round out the meal with a simple side salad or miso soup to keep the flavors light and wholesome.
Leftovers also make an excellent filling for wraps or lettuce cups for a quick lunch the next day.
Storage Tips for Best Freshness
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 4 days for the best flavor and texture.
Because tofu can absorb moisture, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to help the tofu maintain its crispiness, or use the microwave for convenience but expect slightly softer tofu.
For longer storage, freeze the stir fry in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To avoid soggy tofu after freezing, consider crisping it separately in a hot pan before combining with reheated sauce and broccoli.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered Clearly
1. Can I use soft or silken tofu instead?
Soft or silken tofu has much higher moisture and delicate texture, so it won’t crisp up like extra-firm tofu. For this stir fry, extra-firm tofu is best to achieve the desired crunch and structure.
2. What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, try mixing soy sauce with a touch of honey and a dash of five-spice powder or molasses for similar sweet-savory flavor.
3. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and ensure the hoisin sauce you buy is gluten-free or substitute with a homemade gluten-free alternative.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots make excellent additions. Add harder vegetables earlier in the cooking process and softer ones toward the end to keep everything crisp-tender.
5. Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?
Yes, it reheats well and can be stored safely in the fridge or freezer. For best texture on reheating, re-crisp tofu separately in a skillet if possible.
This recipe is inspired by wellplated and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.