Sesame Tofu Stir Fry
Crispy tofu, snap peas and bell pepper in sesame-ginger sauce - 26g plant protein.
Prep
10m
Cook
15m
Total
25m
Servings
2
kcal
500
Protein
26g
Carbs
55g
Fat
20g
Macros per serving
Allergen info
Contains: Soy, Gluten, Sesame.
Auto-detected from the ingredient list. Always double-check labels on packaged items (e.g. protein powders, sauces, breads), many are produced in facilities that also handle nuts, soy, milk, wheat or eggs. If you have a severe allergy, do not rely on this list alone.
Overview
Why it works
The tofu stir fry that changes people's minds about tofu. Cornstarch-crisped cubes tossed in a sticky sesame-ginger glaze with crunchy snap peas and peppers.
- Extra-firm tofu delivers 20 g of complete protein per serving.
- Cornstarch coating creates a golden shell that holds the sauce.
- Snap peas keep the meal fiber-heavy and crunchy without adding much prep.
Ingredients
Ingredients · 2 servings
- 400 g extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 200 g snap peas
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 scallions
- Cooked rice to serve
Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp chili flakes
Instructions
Step by step
- 1
Wrap the pressed extra-firm tofu block in a clean kitchen towel, set a heavy cutting board or pan on top and press for 15 minutes; this is the most important step, as water-logged tofu will never crisp.
- 2
Cut the pressed tofu into 2 cm cubes, then toss in a bowl with the cornstarch and a pinch of salt until every cube is lightly coated.
- 3
Whisk together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic and chili flakes in a small bowl; set aside.
- 4
Heat a large skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke; add the neutral oil.
- 5
Place the coated tofu cubes in the pan without crowding and leave them completely undisturbed for 3 minutes until a golden crust forms on the underside; flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes, then continue on the remaining sides until the tofu is golden all over.
- 6
Remove the tofu and set aside; add the snap peas and sliced bell pepper to the same pan and stir-fry over high heat for 3 minutes until just tender with a little char.
- 7
Return the tofu to the pan, pour the sauce over everything and toss for 60 seconds until the sauce reduces and glosses every piece.
- 8
Serve over rice and top with sliced scallion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Pro Tips
Coach-level details
- PRESS the tofu - wet tofu never crisps. Weight it under a heavy pan for 15 minutes.
- Do not move the tofu while it sears - flipping too soon rips the crust off.
Storage & Swaps
Keep it, swap it, save it
Storage
- Refrigerates 3 days.
- Tofu softens on reheat but stays tasty.
- Label containers with the prep date.
Smart swaps
- Chicken or shrimp.
- Any stir-fry vegetables you have.
Pair with a program
Eating right is half the result.
Plug this recipe into an Onyx program for the other half - periodized training that actually moves the needle.
