If you’re looking for a delicious, wholesome meal that’s ready before you know it and doesn’t leave a ton of dishes in the sink, you’re in the right place. This Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something flavorful, satisfying, and easy to whip up. The golden crispy tofu combined with a garlicky, gingery sauce and fresh veggies makes every bite a little celebration. Stick with me and I’ll share all my best tips so you nail it every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

One Pan Magic: Using a single skillet means less cleanup and faster cooking.
Bold Sauce Flavor: The garlic-ginger sauce is vibrant and packs a punch with balance from maple syrup and vinegar.
Perfectly Crispy Tofu: Pressing and pan-frying the tofu gives you that unbeatable golden crust.
Versatile and Fast: It’s ready in about 20 minutes and works with whatever veggies you have on hand.

Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry, tofu stir fry, easy vegan dinner, quick weeknight meal, healthy tofu recipes - A light gray pan with a wooden handle holds small square pieces of tofu in a dark, shiny sauce mixed with bright green spinach leaves scattered evenly throughout. The tofu pieces are golden brown and smooth, sitting partly submerged in the thick sauce. Above the pan, to the right, a white bowl filled with white noodles is partially visible, and near the top of the image, a small white bowl with chopped green onions rests on a white marbled surface. At the bottom right corner, fresh ginger root pieces are placed on the same white marbled texture. The overall setting is bright with soft lighting, emphasizing the rich colors and glossy textures of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe come together like a dream. You get that crispy, satisfying tofu base with fresh, wilted spinach and punchy green onions, all coated in a sauce that’s sweet, salty, tangy, and just a little nutty from the sesame oil. Each element plays off the other beautifully, making this not just quick but seriously tasty. Here are a few shopping tips I’ve gleaned from many tofu stir fry adventures.

Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry, tofu stir fry, easy vegan dinner, quick weeknight meal, healthy tofu recipes - Flat lay of a block of extra-firm tofu cut into cubes, fresh green onions sliced into rings, vibrant baby spinach leaves, peeled garlic cloves, a small pile of fresh grated ginger, a small bowl of dark soy sauce, a glass container of amber maple syrup, and golden sesame seeds beautifully arranged in clusters, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Extra-firm tofu: It holds its shape best for pan-frying and crisping up nicely.
Canola oil or high smoke point oil: Essential to get that golden crust on your tofu without burning.
Green onions: They add freshness and a mild oniony zing.
Baby spinach: Wilts quickly and brings a tender, bright green contrast.
Low sodium soy sauce or tamari: Provides savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Seasoned rice vinegar: Adds the perfect acidic balance to cut through the richness.
Fresh garlic and ginger: These give the stir fry its signature aromatic backbone.
Sesame oil: Just a touch lends nutty warmth and that unmistakable Asian flair.
Pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for a glossy coating.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe my own depending on what I have in the fridge or my mood that day. Feel free to turn up the heat or play with the sauce ingredients to match your vibe—you’re in control here!

Add-Ins: Sometimes I throw in sliced bell peppers or snap peas for a little extra crunch and color, which you can do too.
Heat it up: A dash of chili flakes or a swirl of your favorite hot sauce amps up the spice if you like it fiery.
Sauce swaps: If you don’t have maple syrup handy, agave syrup works just as well without changing the flavor much.
Gluten-free: Just use tamari in place of soy sauce and make sure your other ingredients are GF-certified.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Tofu Like a Pro

Start by draining your tofu well—this little step makes a huge difference in getting it crispy instead of soggy. I pat mine dry with paper towels and press it gently with my hands, or use a tofu press if I have one handy, for at least 20 minutes beforehand. Once it’s dry, slice it into half-inch cubes—that size is perfect for even pan frying and easy bites.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavor Bomb Sauce

While your tofu is resting, grab a mason jar or small bowl and mix all your garlic-ginger stir fry sauce ingredients—soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, maple syrup, and cornstarch. I like using a jar because I can just pop the lid on and shake it up until well blended, no whisking required!

Step 3: Get that Tofu Golden in Your Pan

Heat your oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Then gently add your tofu cubes. Patience is key here: let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping or stirring so they get that amazing golden crust. Use a spatula to turn them carefully to brown on all sides. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes total.

Step 4: Veggies and Sauce Come In Next

Once your tofu is beautifully golden, toss in the chopped green onions and baby spinach. Stir fry just until the spinach wilts (takes about 2 minutes). Now lower the heat to medium-low, pour in your sauce mixture, and stir steadily. You’ll notice the sauce thickens and starts to beautifully coat the tofu and veggies—that’s your cue to take it off the heat.

Step 5: Serve It Up and Enjoy!

Serve your stir fry right away over cooked rice or noodles. If you like an extra kick, drizzle hot sauce over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a lovely finishing touch. Trust me, the combination is magic. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days and taste great reheated, too.

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Pro Tips for Making Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe

Press Your Tofu: Don’t skip pressing! It makes tofu crispier by removing extra moisture.
Let Tofu Sit in Pan: Resist stirring too soon. Give tofu time to brown to prevent sticking and breakage.
Shake Your Sauce: A quick shake in a jar blends everything perfectly without extra dishes.
Thicken Gradually: Stir constantly as you add sauce — this avoids lumps and creates a beautiful glaze.

How to Serve Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe

Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry, tofu stir fry, easy vegan dinner, quick weeknight meal, healthy tofu recipes - A white bowl is filled with thin white noodles forming the base layer. On top, there are medium-sized golden brown tofu cubes coated in a shiny dark brown sauce. Bright green chopped scallions and spinach leaves are mixed in with the tofu. White sesame seeds are sprinkled over the tofu pieces, adding texture and color contrast. Wooden chopsticks rest on the edge of the bowl over a white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top because they add a delightful crunch and a bit of nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the sauce. Sometimes I’ll add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or basil if I have it—it brightens the flavor and feels fresh. And a drizzle of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce is always welcome to punch up the heat.

Side Dishes

This stir fry stands beautifully on its own with rice or noodles, but I also love pairing it with simple garlic fried rice for texture, or even adding a side of steamed dumplings for a more complete meal. Crispy spring rolls alongside would turn this quick dish into a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or when I want to dress it up, I serve the stir fry in pretty bowls lined with banana leaves or parchment, sprinkled generously with chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews for extra richness and crunch. I’ve even layered it over a bed of shredded lettuce for a fresh, light twist. Presentation makes it feel extra special without extra work!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pop leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tofu and veggies soak up the sauce nicely overnight, making next-day meals just as tasty. Just make sure to press out tofu moisture properly before cooking for best texture when reheated.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir fry successfully, but the texture of the tofu changes slightly—it can get a little softer. If that doesn’t bother you, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, I find reheating gently on the stovetop works best for preserving tofu texture and keeping veggies vibrant. Use medium heat and stir often to warm everything evenly. The sauce will loosen and coat the stir fry beautifully again.

FAQs

Can I use soft or silken tofu instead of extra-firm?

Soft or silken tofu isn’t ideal for this Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe because it tends to fall apart when pan-frying. Extra-firm tofu holds its shape and crisps nicely, giving you the texture contrasts that make this dish so satisfying.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?

You can swap cornstarch for arrowroot or tapioca starch in equal amounts to thicken your stir fry sauce. They work just as well to give that glossy, thick coating without changing the flavor.
How do I prevent tofu from sticking to the pan?

Using a high-quality non-stick pan and making sure your oil is hot before adding tofu really helps. Also, resist moving the tofu around too soon—let it sear undisturbed for a few minutes until it naturally releases from the pan.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce, and make sure your rice vinegar and other ingredients are gluten-free. The recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly otherwise.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe because it’s one that’s brought me so much comfort on busy evenings while keeping things healthy and interesting. Once you get the hang of pressing and pan-frying tofu, you’ll find yourself craving that crispy texture and flavorful sauce again and again. It’s like a warm hug on a plate—with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Give it a go, tweak it your way, and let me know how it turns out. I’m cheering you on from my kitchen to yours!