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Broccoli and Tofu Stir Fry Beats Takeout in 30 Minutes.

Published: Nov 11, 2026 by Kori Butler · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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This broccoli and tofu stir fry is the ultimate weeknight dinner—packed with colorful veggies, crispy tofu, and a craveable garlic sesame stir fry sauce that hits all the right notes. Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or just trying to eat more plant-forward meals, this one ticks all the boxes. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it a total go-to in our house.

Tofu stir fry with broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms over white rice in a shallow white bowl.
Jump to:
  • The backstory.
  • It's a must-make.
  • Let’s talk texture and flavor.
  • What you'll need.
  • Customize it your way.
  • Flexible dietary swaps.
  • How to make fried tofu stir fry with broccoli.
  • How to serve it.
  • Kori's tips.
  • FAQs
  • More mostly meatless meals.

The backstory.

Lately, I’ve been craving all things tofu. It’s plant-based, packed with protein, and way more budget-friendly than most animal proteins. What I really love is how versatile it is—crispy, saucy, baked, grilled… it takes on any flavor I’m in the mood for. This fried tofu stir fry with broccoli and mushrooms is one I’ve been making often—it’s quick, colorful, healthy—and totally satisfying.

xoxo Kori

It's a must-make.

This tofu and broccoli stir fry absolutely delivers—here’s why it deserves a spot on your regular rotation:

  • Crispy tofu perfection - using extra firm tofu and cooking until golden brown creates the perfect chewy, satisfying bite that soaks up every drop of the delicious stir-fry sauce.
  • Veggie-packed goodness - by using broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, and green onions, you're getting a rainbow of colors and textures in every bite!
  • Saucy and flavorful - the garlic ginger sauce with sesame and red pepper flakes is bold, balanced, and comes together in just minutes.
  • Ready in under 30 minutes - this broccoli stir fry comes together so quickly in just one skillet, which means more time enjoying it and less time cooking!
  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free friendly - thanks to simple swaps like coconut aminos and cornstarch, this recipe fits seamlessly into your plant-forward lifestyle.

Who knew tofu dishes could be this crave-worthy? (Okay... I did.) 😉

Let’s talk texture and flavor.

The first bite hits you with a caramelized garlic-and-ginger sesame sauce that clings to every crisp-tender piece of broccoli and golden tofu. You get the rich umami from soy sauce, a little kick from red pepper flakes, and that irresistible finish of toasted sesame seeds. Every bite is saucy, chewy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying.

What you'll need.

Here's what you're going to need to make this stir fry with broccoli and tofu shine:

Stir-fry ingredients:

  • Tofu: use extra firm tofu for the best texture—it pan-fries so nicely and holds up great during the stir-frying process.
  • Olive oil: used for stir-frying the vegetables—you can also use avocado oil or any neutral oil of your choice.
  • Vegetables: broccoli florets, button mushrooms, carrots, and green onions are the perfect base for the stir-fry.
  • Garnish: extra green onions and toasted sesame seeds—the perfect addition for a nutty and slightly crunchy finish.

Stir-fry sauce ingredients:

  • Ginger paste: the perfect signature warm zing in asian dishes—you could use fresh grated ginger if you'd like to.
  • Garlic: minced or pasted, garlic brings a punch of savory flavor.
  • Red pepper flakes: adds just the right amount of heat—start small and build from there.
  • Coconut aminos: a great gluten-free, slightly sweet soy sauce alternative. You can also use tamari for another gluten-free option.
  • Sesame oil: another asian food staple, use regular or toasted sesame oil. It adds a rich, nutty flavor—a little goes a long way!
  • Rice vinegar: provides a much-needed brightness to balance the umami flavor punch.

Love this stir fry? Try my Marry Me Tofu Linguine for a creamy pasta night, or my Tofu Scramble with Edamame for a protein-packed breakfast.

Customize it your way.

Customize this broccoli stir fry and tofu to fit your vibe or what you’ve got in the fridge.

  • Mix in cauliflower florets with broccoli florets for an added fiber-rich combo.
  • Adding red bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness—saute them with the other veggies to enhance their flavor.
  • Shelled edamame for an extra protein boost—stir in during the last couple of minutes of cooking for a delicious added plant protein.
  • Add snap peas or snow peas for added crunch—they add a fresh, crisp texture and subtle sweetness.
  • Adjust any of the seasonings to taste.
  • Add a drizzle of hoisin sauce for even more flavor.
  • Chili garlic sauce or chili flakes can be added for extra spice and flavor—start with a small amount and add to taste.
  • Add a half tablespoon of corn starch to your veggies when stir-frying to help the sauce stick to everything.

Flexible dietary swaps.

  • Want extra protein? You could leave the tofu in and add other nonplant protein, such as chicken or steak—if you have carnivores in the house (like I do!)
  • Gluten-free: using coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce will keep this recipe gluten-free.
  • Low-carb: serve this recipe on its own as it's naturally low-carb, or serve over cauliflower rice.
  • Low sodium: choose low-sodium options where you can, such as with your coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce (if using).

How to make fried tofu stir fry with broccoli.

This tofu and broccoli stir fry comes together fast once everything's prepped, so let’s break it down step by step.

Make the stir fry sauce

Whisk together ginger, garlic, coconut aminos, oil, red pepper flakes, and vinegar. Set aside.

Cook tofu

Heat oil in a skillet and sear the firm tofu until golden brown on all sides. Remove and keep warm.

Stir fry the veggies

Stir fry the vegetables in stages hardest to softest, starting with the broccoli.

Finish

Return tofu to the pan, add sauce, stir to coat, and garnish with sesame seeds.

How to serve it.

  • Serve over a bed of jasmine, brown, or cauliflower rice.
  • Drizzle with extra stir-fry sauce, sesame seeds, and fresh sliced green onion.
  • Use as meal prep for an easy grab on the go lunch or dinner!
  • Serve as a main or side dish with dumplings or spring rolls—yum!
  • Keep it healthier by serving in lettuce wraps—crisp butter leaves or romaine leaves are an easy-to-hold option.
  • Serve with a slice of lemon to squeeze fresh lemon juice on top.
  • Make it flex – swap some or all of the tofu for shrimp or thinly sliced chicken.

Kori's tips.

  • Prepare tofu by pressing with paper towels before cooking to remove the extra moisture—this gives that perfect golden brown crust in tofu dishes.
  • Start sauteeing your firm veggies like broccoli and carrots, as these take the longest to cook, then add the softer ones.
  • In a rush? Use store-bought stir-fry sauce—I will say the homemade is so worth it!
  • Cook tofu in batches if needed to help keep it crispy—if you overcrowd the pan, your tofu will be soggy.

FAQs

What is the best way to store it?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze it?

You can, but the texture of tofu may change slightly. Freeze in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet first, then transfer to a container.

How do I reheat it?

Microwave: Quick and easy—just add a splash of water to prevent drying.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil.

📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

Can I ask you a favor?

If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂

Want more easy dinners? Grab my FREE 5-night mostly meatless dinner plan and get new recipes in your inbox.

Tofu stir fry with broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms over white rice in a shallow white bowl.

30-Minute Stir Fry Broccoli and Tofu

This Broccoli and Tofu Stir Fry is a fast, flavor-packed one-pan meal with major weeknight win energy. Crispy tofu, tender-crisp veggies, and a zippy Asian-style sauce come together in under 30 minutes. It's high-protein, plant-based, vegetarian, and totally satisfying. Serve it over rice or riced cauliflower and call dinner done.
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Print Recipe
Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Plant-Based and Vegan
Cuisine Asian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 204 kcal

Ingredients
  

Stir Fry

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 16 ounces extra firm tofu (cut into 1" cubes, dried on paper towels)
  • 4 cups broccoli (cut into 1" florets)
  • 2 cups button mushrooms (halved, or quartered if larger)
  • 1 cup carrots (julienned or sliced)
  • ½ cup green onions (sliced)
  • ½ tablespoon sesame seeds

Sauce

  • ½ cup coconut aminos or liquid aminos (tamari sauce or soy sauce can also be used depending upon your dietary preferences)
  • 2½ tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons ginger paste
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your taste preferences)

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together ginger paste, garlic, coconut aminos, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  • Heat oil in a skillet or wok until very hot (but not smoking), add tofu and stir fry until golden brown and crispy on most sides. Remove tofu from pan, cover with foil and keep warm.
  • Add broccoli and saute for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add mushrooms and carrots. Saute for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add green onion. Saute for 1 minute. Test veggies for doneness. If needed, continue stir frying until the veggies are done to your likeness.
  • Add tofu back to the pan and stir in half of the stir fry sauce. Continue cooking until warmed through. 
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds, adjust seasoning to taste. Serve.

Kori's Tips

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.
TIPS: Press the tofu with paper towels before cooking to remove extra moisture for that golden brown crust. Salting the tofu before frying adds flavor but also adds salt once the sauce goes in, so that one is up to you. Cook firm veggies like carrots first, then add softer ones like mushrooms and green onions last. Start the heat mild and turn it up if you like it spicy. A bottled stir fry sauce works in a pinch, but the homemade sauce can be made ahead.
VARIATIONS: Toss in a handful of shelled edamame for an extra protein boost. Use up to 8 cups of vegetables total and mix and match cauliflower, snap peas, bell peppers, zucchini, or whatever is in the crisper drawer. Coconut aminos are sweeter than soy sauce or tamari, so taste and adjust the salt.
MAKE IT FLEX: Swap some or all of the tofu for shrimp or thinly sliced chicken.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Top with green onions and sesame seeds for the final flourish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 16.8gFat: 13.1gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 323mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 3g
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a star rating and a comment below. Your feedback helps me and my readers.

© 2026 Flexitarian Eats

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Kori Butler, founder of Flexitarian Eats

Hey there, I'm Kori.

I'm a culinary school-trained chef specializing in holistic wellness and nutrition. Here at Flexitarian Eats, I share mostly meatless recipes for real life: make-ahead breakfasts, hearty bean and lentil dinners, and filling soups and salads, with room for meat whenever you want it.

More about me

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