Hey there! If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavorful dinner that comes together in no time, you’re gonna want to try this Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe. It’s my go-to when I need something healthy, tasty, and ready before I even realize I’m hungry. Plus, it’s all done in one pan, which means less cleanup (always a win!). Trust me, this stir fry nails that wonderful balance of crispy tofu, vibrant veggies, and a garlicky-gingery sauce that’ll have you wanting seconds.

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Why This Recipe Works

One Pan Magic: Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving you time and dishes.
Perfectly Crispy Tofu: The secret’s in pressing and pan-frying the tofu to golden perfection.
Balanced Sauce: A mix of tangy vinegar, sweet maple syrup, and fresh garlic-ginger makes the sauce irresistibly flavorful.
Quick & Healthy: Loaded with spinach and green onions for a vibrant, nutrient-rich meal.

Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry, tofu stir fry, easy vegetarian dinner, healthy tofu recipe, quick weeknight dinner - 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 little flavor party in your pan. Each plays a role — the tofu adds protein and crisp texture, the veggies add freshness, and the sauce pulls it all together with that perfect sweet-savory tang. When shopping, I always grab extra-firm tofu for that sturdy, satisfying bite.

Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry, tofu stir fry, easy vegetarian dinner, healthy tofu recipe, quick weeknight dinner - 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 up beautifully in stir-fries without crumbling and gets wonderfully crispy when pan-fried.
Canola oil or other high smoke point oil: Perfect for frying tofu without burning, keeping everything golden and crisp.
Green onions: They add a sharp, fresh bite right at the end, brightening the whole dish.
Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and wilts down to meld seamlessly with the tofu.
Soy sauce or tamari: The salty backbone of the sauce, low sodium keeps it from being overwhelming.
Seasoned rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a nice tang that cuts through the richness.
Garlic and fresh grated ginger: The dynamic duo for that classic stir-fry flavor boost.
Sesame oil: Just a little for that nutty aroma and depth.
Pure maple syrup: Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness—plus I love that natural vibe.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it beautifully clings to tofu and veggies, giving you that restaurant feel at home.

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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 stir fry my own depending on what’s in season or what’s languishing in my fridge. Feel free to switch up the veggies or swap out the maple syrup for agave if that’s what you have.

Add more veggies: I often toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.
Make it spicy: A dash of hot sauce or fresh chili flakes kicked up the heat level for me when I’m in the mood for some zing.
Protein boost: Double up the tofu or add a handful of cashews for that extra satisfying bite.
Swap starches: Try arrowroot or tapioca starch if you need a gluten-free thickener in place of cornstarch.

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

Step 1: Press and Prep Your Tofu

First things first — drain your tofu well and pat it dry with paper towels. If you can, press it gently with a heavy pan or tofu press for about 15-20 minutes to squeeze out excess moisture. This simple step is a game-changer for getting that nice golden crust later. Once it’s ready, cut the tofu into roughly ½-inch cubes so each piece crisps up nicely and cooks evenly.

Step 2: Whip Up That Flavorful Garlic Ginger Sauce

While the tofu is resting, combine your soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, maple syrup, and cornstarch in a mason jar or small bowl. Shake or whisk thoroughly until everything is perfectly mixed. You’ll use this sauce later, so set it aside for now.

Step 3: Pan Fry the Tofu for Crispy Goodness

Heat your canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil’s hot, gently add the tofu pieces—don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Here’s a tip from experience: let the tofu cook undisturbed for at least 3-4 minutes on one side before stirring or flipping. This patience pays off with a beautiful golden crust on your tofu cubes.

Step 4: Toss in the Veggies and Sauce

Once the tofu looks golden and crispy, add in the chopped green onions and baby spinach. Stir fry those veggies for just a few minutes until the spinach wilts down and everything smells amazing. Lower your heat to medium-low and pour in the sauce—keep stirring constantly so it thickens up and coats all those tofu and veggie pieces just right. The sauce should get glossy and cling beautifully. Once it thickens, turn off the heat.

Step 5: Serve It Up and Enjoy!

Serve this quick one pan tofu stir fry over a bed of steaming rice or noodles. I love sprinkling a few sesame seeds on top and sometimes a drizzle of hot sauce if I want a little extra kick. Dig in immediately for best texture and flavor!

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Pro Tips for Making Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe

Press Your Tofu Well: The drier your tofu, the crispier it gets—don’t skip the pressing step!
Patience Counts: Let tofu cook on one side before stirring to avoid sticking and ensure even browning.
Fresh Ginger & Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic really elevate this stir fry’s flavor—frozen can work but fresh is best.
Thicken the Sauce Without Burning: Stir constantly once you add the sauce and keep heat moderate to prevent burning while it thickens.

How to Serve Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe

Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry, tofu stir fry, easy vegetarian dinner, healthy tofu recipe, quick weeknight dinner - 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’m a sucker for a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sometimes a handful of chopped fresh cilantro to brighten things up. A squirt of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce adds a fantastic zing if you like a little heat.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is so versatile it can stand alone or shine alongside steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even garlic noodles. When I’m treating myself, I sometimes add a side of crispy spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad for refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this stir fry in mini lettuce cups topped with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for texture—such a fun way to eat! Or pile it high in a vibrant bowl with layers of rice, tofu, and veggies for a beautiful gift-like presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. The tofu softens a bit, but the flavors get deeper, which I don’t mind at all.

Freezing

While freezing tofu stir fry isn’t always ideal because of texture changes, you can freeze the cooked tofu and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently to enjoy later.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers in a non-stick skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave to bring back some crispness to the tofu and keep the veggies fresh. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if things seem dry.

FAQs

Can I use tofu other than extra-firm for this Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe?

Extra-firm tofu is best because it holds its shape when pan-fried, giving you that satisfying crisp outside and tender inside. Soft or silken tofu is too delicate and will likely break apart in the pan.
Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, check your vinegar and other ingredients to ensure they don’t contain gluten.
Is it okay to use frozen garlic and ginger?

Yes, you can use frozen or jarred garlic and ginger for convenience. However, fresh garlic and ginger provide a brighter, fresher flavor that really makes the dish pop.
How do I keep tofu from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your pan is good quality non-stick and well-heated before adding tofu. Don’t move the tofu too soon; letting it cook undisturbed for a few minutes helps it form a natural crust that releases easily.
Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! The sauce recipe is generous, so doubling tofu or vegetables works well. Just cook in batches if your pan feels crowded to keep everything crisp.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe enough — it’s a simple, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor but requires minimal effort. Whether you’re a tofu pro or just getting started, it’s a lovely way to enjoy a quick homemade dinner that feels special. So next time your schedule’s tight but your cravings are wild, give this one a whirl. You’ll thank yourself later, promise!