Sautéed Tofu with Broccoli (Printable)

Golden tofu steaks with broccoli and shiitake mushrooms in a flavorful soy-garlic sauce.

# What you'll need:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
02 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 1/4 tsp salt
04 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
05 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil

→ Vegetables

06 - 5 oz broccoli florets
07 - 3.5 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
08 - 1 small red bell pepper, sliced (optional)

→ Sauce

09 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
10 - 1 tbsp mirin or dry sherry
11 - 1 tbsp water
12 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
13 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar
14 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
16 - 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water

→ Garnish

17 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
18 - 2 stalks green onion, thinly sliced

# Method:

01 - Pat the tofu dry and cut into 3/4-inch thick steaks. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly dust with cornstarch.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu steaks and sauté 4–5 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
03 - Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the skillet. Sauté broccoli florets for 2 minutes. Add shiitake mushrooms and optional bell pepper; cook 3–4 minutes until tender.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, water, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
05 - Pour sauce over vegetables in skillet and stir for 1 minute. Add cornstarch slurry; cook, stirring, until sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
06 - Return tofu steaks to the pan; spoon sauce and vegetables over them and heat through for 1 minute.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick to prepare in under 40 minutes
  • Vegan and dairy-free, ideal for plant-based diets
02 -
  • Tofu is naturally gluten-free; use tamari for sauce if gluten sensitivity exists
  • Shiitake mushrooms add a rich umami flavor and should have stems removed for best texture
03 -
  • For extra flavor, marinate tofu in soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking
  • Substitute broccoli with broccolini or green beans to suit seasonality
Return