Sesame Ginger Stir Fried Green Beans and Tofu
A vibrant tangle of crisp-tender green beans and silky tofu, kissed with a zesty sesame ginger glaze that'll have you reaching for seconds.
Total: 25 minPrep: 10 minCook: 15 min4 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 12 oz green beans, trimmed
- 8 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- 1 Cut tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- 2 Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- 3 Add tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
- 4 Remove tofu and set aside.
- 5 In the same skillet, add sesame oil, then garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
- 6 Add green beans and stir-fry for 5 minutes until vibrant and tender-crisp.
- 7 Return tofu to the skillet, add soy sauce and rice vinegar.
- 8 Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- 9 Sprinkle with sesame seeds and toss to coat.
- 10 Serve immediately.
Equipment
- Skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Variations
- Add red bell peppers or shiitake mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- For a spicy kick, toss in a diced chili or a dash of chili flakes.
Substitutions
- Use tamari for a gluten-free soy sauce option.
- Swap in oyster sauce for a richer, umami flavor if not avoiding seafood.
Pairings
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Miso soup
- Cucumber salad
Nutrition
Calories:
220 kcal
Fat:
12g fat
Carbs:
15g carbohydrates
Protein:
12g protein
Fiber:
4g fiber
Sugar:
2g sugar
Sodium:
400mg sodium
Tips
- Pressing the tofu beforehand ensures a firmer texture.
- For extra flavor, marinate the tofu in a bit of soy sauce while prepping the rest of the ingredients.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice and a side of miso soup.
- Pairs beautifully with a fresh cucumber salad drizzled with sesame oil.
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, use them straight from the freezer for a quicker prep, though fresh beans are ideal for texture.
What tofu can I use?
Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for stir-frying as it holds its shape nicely.