• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cook's Hideout
  • All Recipes
  • Recipes by Category
  • Subscribe
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Recipes by Category
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Vegan » Sesame Tofu Asparagus Stir fry

    Sesame Tofu Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe

    Published: Feb 24, 2022 by Pavani · 10 Comments

    21 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Looking for healthy vegetable stir fry? Then try this easy tofu asparagus stir fry recipe that is quick and delicious. This is a healthy and wholesome recipe. A perfect vegan weeknight meal that comes together in about 30 minutes.

    Hoisin and soy sauce base stir fry sauce is spicy, sweet and flavorful. The sauce coats crispy sesame tofu and vegetables to make a scrumptious dish. Great to serve over brown rice or noodles.

    Blue plate with sesame tofu stir fry.

    Table of contents

    • About the Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
      • Make Stir fry sauce
      • Make Vegan Sesame Tofu
      • Make Stir Fry
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • You might also like
    • Recipe Card

    About the Recipe

    As a vegetarian, tofu is one of my favorite protein. I love using it to make lettuce wraps, tofu and rice bowl or this easy vegan omelette. Today I have a Asian stir fry with tofu, asparagus and mushrooms.

    Recipe is adapted from 'Cooking Light way to cook Vegetarian' cookbook. Though tofu and mushrooms are usual stir fry ingredients, asparagus is an interesting addition in this dish. It adds beautiful color and nice crispiness.

    Did you know? Green asparagus is higher in Vitamins A and C and folate than the white variety.

    Blue platter with Tofu asparagus stir fry.

    To make the sesame crusted tofu, both black and white sesame seeds are used. Then this crispy fried tofu is tossed with veggies and stir fry sauce. Sesame seeds add nuttiness and crunch to the dish.

    Sesame seeds offer iron, magnesium and zinc in their tiny little packages.

    Hoisin, soy sauce, chili-garlic sauce form the base of the scrumptious stir fry sauce. It adds a lot of flavor to this dish. A healthy and wholesome dish that is perfect to make on a weeknight. Great to serve over either brown rice or noodles.

    White bowl with tofu asparagus stir fry and brown rice.

    Ingredients

    For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below.

    Here are the ingredients you need to make this asparagus tofu stir fry recipe:

    • Tofu - I recommend using extra firm or super firm tofu here. These hold their shape while stir frying and do not crumble.
    • Vegetables:
      • Asparagus - you can also use green beans instead.
      • Mushrooms - I use either baby bella or white mushrooms because they are easily available. But you can also use shiitake mushrooms that have strong earthy flavor and rich texture.
      • Scallions
    • Sesame seeds - I use both white and black sesame seeds. But if you have only one kind, that is fine too.
    • Fresh Ginger and garlic
    • For the Stir-fry sauce, you will need:
      • Hoisin sauce - this is available in most well stocked groceries or Asian markets.
      • Soy sauce - preferably low sodium.
      • Vegetable stock - adds flavor to the sauce. But feel free to use water or even vegetarian bouillon cube.
      • Chili sauce - I use store bought 'sambal oelek'. But feel free to sriracha or other chili sauces.
    Ingredients needed - details in recipe card.

    Instructions

    For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below.

    Here is how to make stir fry recipe with tofu, asparagus and mushroom.

    Make Stir fry sauce

    In a small bowl, combine broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce and corn starch. Whisk well to combine and set aside.

    Make Vegan Sesame Tofu

    Heat peanut and sesame oil in a large wok or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is sizzling, add tofu, white and black sesame seeds and salt to taste.

    Stir fry until crispy and golden. Transfer tofu onto a plate and keep warm.

    4 panel photo showing the making of sesame tofu.

    Make Stir Fry

    In the same pan, heat the peanut oil and sesame oil on medium-high heat. Add ginger, garlic and cook until aromatic. Stir in mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms start to brown.

    Add asparagus and cook until crisp-tender. Reduce heat to medium and add the sliced green onions. Add the stir fry sauce to the veggies in the pan and cook until the sauce is thickened.

    4 panel photo showing the sauteing of veggies and adding sauce to nonstick wok.

    Stir in the tofu and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Serve hot over brown rice.

    2 panel photo showing the making of the stir fry recipe.

    Expert Tips

    • I recommend using extra firm or super firm tofu here. These hold their shape while stir frying and do not crumble.
    • I use either baby bella or white mushrooms because they are easily available. But you can also use shiitake mushrooms that have strong earthy flavor and rich texture.
    • If you cannot source Hoisin sauce, then here is a great resource from Greatist for hoisin sauce substitute.
    • I recommend using low sodium soy sauce. But it is OK to use regular soy sauce as well.
    • Feel free to use water or even vegetarian bouillon cube instead of vegetable stock.
    • I use store bought 'sambal oelek', but feel free to sriracha or other chili sauces.
    • Make the stir fry sauce up to 2 days in advance. Make sure to whisk the sauce well to ensure that corn starch is mixed in.
    • Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Warm in a microwave until heated through.
    • For the sauce to thicken, make sure to bring it to a low boil and cook for 1~2 minutes.
    • If you are not a big fan of tofu, then substitute it with paneer.
    Hand holding a cube of tofu with chopsticks.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What other vegetables can be used to make this vegetarian stir fry?

    You can use green beans instead of asparagus. Not a big fab of mushrooms, omit them. Broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, bell peppers etc. are all great alternatives.

    Can this stir fry be made ahead?

    This dish tastes great hot. But store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Warm in a microwave until heated through.

    You might also like

    Here are a few more delicious vegetable dishes that you might like:

    • Asparagus Lentil Soup Recipe | Instant Pot
    • Asparagus Spinach Pasta with Checca Sauce
    • Palak-Bok Choy Stir Fry (Indian Style)
    • Chinese Potato Stir fry | Vegan Recipe
    Blue plate with crispy sesame tofu stir fry.

    I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don't forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.

    Recipe Card

    Blue platter with Tofu asparagus stir fry.

    Tofu Asparagus Stir Fry

    Sesame Tofu Asparagus Stir Fry is a healthy and wholesome dish that is great to serve over brown rice or noodles. It is made with flavorful stir fry sauce.
    Author: Pavani
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 20 mins
    Total Time: 30 mins
    Course: Main Course, Main Dish, Side Dish
    Cuisine: asian, Chinese
    Servings: 4 Servings

    Ingredients

    Stir fry sauce:

    • ½ cup Vegetable Broth
    • 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce
    • 1½ tablespoons Soy sauce, preferably low sodium
    • 1 teaspoon Chili-garlic sauce
    • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch

    For the Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry:

    • 2 tablespoons Peanut Oil, divided
    • 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
    • 14 oz. Extra firm or Super firm Tofu, drained and cut into 1" cubes
    • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
    • 1 tablespoon Black Sesame Seeds
    • 1" Fresh Ginger, grated
    • 2~3 Garlic cloves, finely minced
    • 10~12 Asparagus, cut into 2" pieces
    • 8 oz. Baby Bella or Shiitake Mushrooms, thinly sliced
    • 4~5 Green Onions, thinly sliced
    • To taste Salt & Pepper

    Instructions

    Make Stir-fry Sauce:

    • In a small bowl, combine broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce and corn starch. Whisk well to combine and set aside.

    Make Sesame Tofu:

    • Heat 1 tablespoon peanut and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a large wok or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is sizzling, add tofu, white and black sesame seeds and salt to taste. Stir fry until crispy and golden, about 6~7 minutes. Transfer tofu onto a plate and keep warm.

    Make Stir Fry:

    • In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon peanut oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil on medium-high heat. Add ginger, garlic and cook for about 1 minute or until aromatic. Stir in mushrooms and cook for 3~4 minutes or until the mushrooms start to brown. Add asparagus and cook for 4~5 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender.
      Reduce heat to medium and add the sliced green onions.
    • Add the stir fry sauce to the veggies in the pan and cook for 1~2 minutes or until the sauce is thickened. Stir in the tofu and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Serve hot over brown rice.

    Video

    Notes

    • recommend using extra firm or super firm tofu here. These hold their shape while stir frying and do not crumble.
    • I use either baby bella or white mushrooms because they are easily available. But you can also use shiitake mushrooms that have strong earthy flavor and rich texture.
    • If you cannot source Hoisin sauce, then here is a great resource from Greatist for hoisin sauce substitute.
    • I recommend using low sodium soy sauce. But it is OK to use regular soy sauce as well.
    • Feel free to use water or even vegetarian bouillon cube instead of vegetable stock.
    • I use store bought 'sambal oelek', but feel free to sriracha or other chili sauces.
    • Make the stir fry sauce up to 2 days in advance. Make sure to whisk the sauce well to ensure that corn starch is mixed in.
    • Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Warm in a microwave until heated through.
    • For the sauce to thicken, make sure to bring it to a low boil and cook for 1~2 minutes.
    • If you are not a big fan of tofu, then substitute it with paneer.
    • You can use green beans instead of asparagus. Not a big fab of mushrooms, omit them. Broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, bell peppers etc. are all great alternatives.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 576mg | Potassium: 485mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 485IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cooks_hideout or tag #cookshideout!

    More Vegan

    • Easy Peanut Noodles Recipe
    • Instant Appam with Yeast
    • Roasted Baby Corn
    • Lentil Salad with Cranberries
    21 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Priya Suresh

      March 12, 2017 at 9:10 am

      Absolutely delicious, am in love with this bowl. Never thought of combining both tofu and asparagus, interesting and a very tempting stir fry.

      Reply
    2. Vaishali Sabnani

      March 12, 2017 at 9:43 am

      This is just my kind of food, love asparagus,and sesame combo. super.

      Reply
    3. Srivalli

      March 13, 2017 at 5:29 am

      Very interesting stir fry with tofu..I am somehow not so into tofu, this one surely looks good..I think the sesame adds that crunch and nutty taste!

      Reply
    4. Sandhiya

      March 13, 2017 at 4:07 pm

      Asparagus and tofu are interesting combo. Looks very inviting ,so bookmarked to try.

      Reply
    5. themadscientistskitchen

      March 18, 2017 at 2:30 am

      Absolutely delicious. Love the flavours here.

      Reply
    6. Chef Mireille

      March 21, 2017 at 1:01 pm

      while I love asparagus and shitake, I would have to replace tofu with something else. However, I love the seasonings you used

      Reply
    7. Harini

      March 22, 2017 at 9:02 pm

      That is a lovely combination, Pavani. I am getting asparagus this weekend 🙂

      Reply
    8. Usha

      March 25, 2017 at 5:09 pm

      When I did stir fries last week, this stir fry was also on my list. In the last minute decided to do another one from the same book as I couldn't get tender asparagus. You are tempting me to make it very soon.

      Reply
    9. srividhya

      March 27, 2017 at 11:00 am

      I can wipe this bowl clean any time. 🙂 Super yum

      Reply
    10. Suma Gandlur

      April 28, 2017 at 8:35 pm

      My husband would love this and I am bookmarking this.

      Reply

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    My profile photo.

    Hi, I'm Pavani! the cook in this hideout. Cook's Hideout is all about delicious vegetarian dishes from India and also from around the world. Here you will find recipes that are easy AND tasty to make.

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • How to make Chocolate Custard with Custard Powder
    • Easy Injera Recipe | Step by Step
    • Cuban Tostones with Mojo Sauce Recipe
    • Masala Potato Fry | Andhra Style

    Seasonal Recipes

    • The Best Cranberry Apple Chutney Recipe
    • How to make Eggless Latkes
    • How to make Vegan Ebelskivers Recipe
    • How to make Eggless Christmas Plum Cake

    My Cookbooks

    Vegetarian Indian Instant Pot Cookbook.
    The Essential Vegetarian Indian Cookbook.

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Subscribe

    Contact

    • About

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 Foodie Pro on the Foodie Pro Theme

    21 shares