Name: Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 14 ounce block extra-firm tofu; 2 tablespoons canola oil or other high smoke point oil; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 2 cups baby spinach; 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten free; 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar; 1/4 cup water; 3 large cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Cooked rice or noodles; Hot sauce; Sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 24 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a fuss-free, delicious weeknight dinner, you’re going to love this Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe. It’s not just quick—it’s packed with flavor, super satisfying, and so easy you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me, once you try this one-pan wonder, you’ll never fear tofu again. Ready to dive in and whip up something that feels both homey and exciting? Let’s go!

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Why This Recipe Works

One Pan Convenience: Everything comes together in a single skillet, cutting down on cleanup and chaos in the kitchen.
Balanced Flavors: The garlicky-ginger sauce hits that perfect sweet, salty, and tangy note that clings beautifully to tofu and veggies.
Textural Delight: Crispy golden tofu mixed with tender spinach and green onions keeps every bite interesting.
Quick and Customizable: Ready in under 30 minutes and easy to tweak for your cravings or pantry staples.

Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry, tofu stir fry recipe, easy tofu stir fry, healthy weeknight dinner, vegetarian stir fry - 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 magic of this Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. They mix beautifully to create fresh, wholesome flavors and textures, plus many items are pantry staples or easy to find. I’ll share little nuggets on picking the best ones for an epic stir fry.

Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry, tofu stir fry recipe, easy tofu stir fry, healthy weeknight dinner, vegetarian stir fry - 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: Pressing out moisture and using extra-firm tofu ensures crispy edges instead of soggy cubes.
Canola or other high smoke point oil: Perfect for frying without burning, letting tofu crisp up nicely.
Green onions: They add fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color at the end.
Baby spinach: Wilted leaves provide a tender, nutrient-rich contrast you’ll hardly notice.
Low sodium soy sauce or tamari: Gives you control over saltiness while delivering that classic umami kick.
Seasoned rice vinegar: Brings bright acidity and balances the sweetness.
Garlic and fresh ginger: The true flavor bombs here—grated fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that smells like the best stir fry you’ve ever had.
Pure maple syrup: Just enough sweetness to round everything out perfectly.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings deliciously to tofu and veggies.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love this Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe because it’s a canvas for all kinds of personalization. Whether you’re adding more veggies, switching oils, or dialing up the heat, it responds beautifully. Here’s how I usually mix things up and how you might, too.

Veggie boosts: I often toss in bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color—it’s a great way to use whatever you have on hand.
Heat seekers: Adding a splash of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes takes the sauce from mild to spicy in no time.
Gluten-free swap: Tamari subbing perfectly replaces soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Sweetener alternatives: Sometimes I swap maple syrup for agave or honey depending on the pantry, and it still shines.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Tofu Like a Pro

Start by draining the tofu well—this little step makes a big difference. I pat it dry with paper towels, then press gently for a few seconds to squeeze out any lurking moisture. Too much water is the enemy of crispy tofu! Next, slice it into bite-sized cubes, about half an inch thick. This size lets the tofu cook evenly and crisp nicely without falling apart.

Step 2: Whip Up That Saucy Goodness

I mix all the sauce ingredients in a mason jar—soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, maple syrup, and cornstarch—then give it a good shake until everything blends into a silky, fragrant mixture. Setting it aside while the tofu cooks lets those flavors mingle.

Step 3: Crisp Up Your Tofu in One Pan

Heat two tablespoons of canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Now, gently add your tofu cubes—don’t crowd them, or they steam rather than crisp. Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes so they develop a lovely golden crust before flipping to brown all sides. Patience here pays off! If tofu sticks, your pan might not be hot enough or you stirred too soon, so give it time to release naturally.

Step 4: Toss in the Greens and Sauce

Once tofu is golden, stir in chopped green onions and baby spinach. Cooking just until the spinach wilts keeps it fresh and vibrant. Lower the heat to medium-low, pour in your sauce, and keep stirring. You’ll notice it thicken and cling around the tofu and veggies—this step is key for the sticky, tasty finish everyone loves.

Step 5: Serve it Up and Enjoy!

I like serving this stir fry over fluffy rice or chewy noodles, topped with toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to kick things up a notch. Leftovers last up to three days in the fridge, which is perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Press the Tofu Well: I learned the hard way that properly pressing tofu before cooking is the secret to avoiding soggy results.
Patience is Key: Let tofu brown in the pan without moving it too soon—you’ll get that unbeatable golden crust.
Taste and Adjust: Before adding the sauce, taste it—sometimes I add a pinch more maple syrup or a dash more vinegar depending on what mood I’m in.
Use a Good Non-Stick Pan: This recipe really shines when tofu slides around easily, making your cooking experience smoother.

How to Serve Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe

Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry, tofu stir fry recipe, easy tofu stir fry, healthy weeknight dinner, vegetarian stir fry - 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 often sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for that lovely crunch and visual pop. A few extra sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro add brightness and freshness. And for those who like a little fire, a drizzle of chili garlic sauce never disappoints.

Side Dishes

This stir fry stands strong on its own, but I like pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or quick-cooked rice noodles. Steamed dumplings or even a light miso soup alongside turn this into a full Asian-inspired comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving the stir fry inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or fancy lettuce cups. I once paired it with crispy wonton chips for dipping—the perfect crunchy contrast that got a ton of compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. I like to separate the tofu stir fry from any rice or noodles to keep things fresh and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen this stir fry often, I’ve heard it freezes okay if you skip the spinach and add it fresh after reheating. I’d recommend freezing the cooked tofu and sauce separately for best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce. This method brings back the tofu’s slight crispness better than the microwave.

FAQs

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

For the best texture, extra-firm tofu is your friend in this Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe. Soft or medium tofu tends to break apart and won’t crisp up well. If you only have those on hand, be very gentle when stirring, but I highly recommend pressing extra-firm tofu whenever possible.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot or tapioca starch works great as a thickening agent and won’t change the flavor. Just use the same quantity and mix it into the sauce before cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to swap regular soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. It makes this Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe totally gluten-free without losing any of the savory goodness.
How long does the leftovers keep?

Leftovers last about 3 days stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. To keep tofu crispy, store sauce and tofu separately if you can, then combine and reheat gently.

Final Thoughts

This Quick One Pan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s both comforting and surprisingly quick to pull together. Tofu doesn’t have to be boring or complicated, and this recipe is proof! I’m excited for you to make it your own and enjoy that satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Seriously, give it a try—I promise it’ll become your go-to tofu dish just like mine.