Save A flavorful budget-friendly vegetarian dish featuring crispy tofu and tender broccoli tossed in a savory sesame sauce served over steamed rice. This Sesame Tofu & Broccoli with Rice is an easy Asian-inspired meal that comes together quickly and delivers great taste and texture.
I first tried a sesame tofu stir-fry at a local restaurant and was amazed at how simple ingredients could taste so good together. Now I love making this version at home, which has become a favorite for busy evenings or when hosting vegetarian friends.
Ingredients
- Firm tofu: 400 g, drained and pressed
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp for tofu marinade, 3 tbsp for sauce
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp for tofu, plus 1 tbsp mixed with 2 tbsp water for sauce
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp for tofu, 1 tbsp toasted for sauce
- Broccoli: 1 large head, cut into florets (about 350 g)
- Carrots (optional): 2 medium, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger: 1 tbsp, grated
- Maple syrup or honey: 2 tbsp
- Rice vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Sesame seeds: 1 tbsp, plus extra for garnish
- Uncooked jasmine or long-grain rice: 250 g (1 1/4 cups)
- Water: 500 ml (2 cups) for rice
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Spring onions: 2, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water. Combine with water and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil reduce heat to low cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the tofu:
- Cut the pressed tofu into 2 cm cubes. In a bowl toss tofu with soy sauce then sprinkle with cornstarch mixing until evenly coated.
- Cook the tofu:
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook turning occasionally until golden and crisp on all sides (about 8 minutes). Remove tofu from pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry vegetables:
- In the same pan add broccoli and carrots. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and ginger cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce maple syrup/honey rice vinegar and toasted sesame oil. Add to the pan with the vegetables. Stir well.
- Thicken the sauce:
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables (about 2 minutes).
- Combine:
- Return tofu to the pan and toss everything together gently. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve:
- Spoon rice into bowls top with sesame tofu and broccoli mixture. Garnish with spring onions and extra sesame seeds.
Save This is one of those meals my family gathers around after a busy day everyone helps themselves and the leftovers are always welcome for lunch the next afternoon.
Required Tools
Saucepan large nonstick skillet or wok mixing bowls knife and cutting board spatula
Allergen Information
Contains soy (tofu soy sauce) and sesame. Dairy- and egg-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce/tamari as needed and check labels to confirm allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 370, Total Fat 12 g, Carbohydrates 49 g, Protein 15 g
Save Try this dish for a comforting weeknight dinner or meal prep for tasty leftovers. The vibrant flavors and colors make it as appealing to look at as to eat.
Kitchen Q&A
- → How can I get tofu crispy without it sticking?
Press the tofu to remove excess water, coat lightly with cornstarch, and cook in a hot pan with sesame oil without overcrowding. This ensures a golden, crisp texture.
- → What type of rice pairs best with sesame tofu and broccoli?
Jasmine or long-grain rice works well, providing a fragrant and fluffy base that complements the savory sesame flavors.
- → Can I substitute broccoli with other vegetables?
Yes, cauliflower or bell peppers are excellent alternatives that add variety while maintaining texture and absorb the sauce nicely.
- → How is the sauce thickened to coat the tofu and vegetables?
A cornstarch slurry mixed with water is added near the end of cooking, thickening the soy-maple sesame sauce for perfect coating.
- → Is it possible to make a vegan version of this dish?
Absolutely. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the sauce to keep it entirely plant-based.
- → What extra flavors can be added for some heat?
Chili flakes or a splash of sriracha can be mixed into the sauce or added as a garnish for a spicy kick.