Pressed Tofu Steaks Stir-Fry

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Plates

This dish features golden, crisp pressed tofu steaks paired with a medley of vibrant frozen vegetables stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce. Fluffy long-grain rice completes the plate, creating a wholesome, plant-based meal that’s easy to prepare. The tofu is marinated in a blend of spices and oils before being seared to perfection. Vegetables are quickly cooked over high heat to retain color and texture, then combined with a splash of soy sauce for a savory boost. Garnished with spring onions, sesame seeds, and optional chili flakes, this flavorful dish balances textures and bright flavors for a satisfying dining experience.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:31:00 GMT
Golden-brown pressed tofu steaks sit atop vibrant stir-fried veggies with fluffy rice, a satisfying meal. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown pressed tofu steaks sit atop vibrant stir-fried veggies with fluffy rice, a satisfying meal. | velvetthyme.com

Hearty tofu steaks, golden and crisp, paired with a vibrant medley of stir-fried frozen vegetables and fluffy rice. This quick, wholesome plant-based meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort and color all on one plate.

I remember making these tofu steaks on a hectic weekday evening. The process was so effortless yet yielded a satisfying meal that both my family and I enjoyed. The combination of crisp tofu and colorful veggies brightened our dinner table.

Ingredients

  • Tofu Steaks: 400 g (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed; 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari; 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetables: 500 g (1 lb) frozen mixed vegetables (e.g.( broccoli( carrots( snap peas( bell peppers); 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic( minced; 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • Rice: 250 g (1 1/4 cups) long-grain white or brown rice; 500 ml (2 cups) water; 1/2 tsp salt
  • Garnishes (optional): 2 tbsp chopped spring onions; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; chili flakes( to taste

Instructions

Prepare the rice:
Rinse rice under cold water. In a saucepan( combine rice( water( and salt. Bring to a boil( cover( reduce heat( and simmer for 15: 20 minutes (white rice) or 30: 35 minutes (brown rice)( until tender. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
Marinate and slice tofu:
Slice the pressed tofu into 4 thick steaks. In a shallow dish( whisk together soy sauce( oil( garlic powder( smoked paprika( and black pepper. Lay tofu steaks in the marinade( turning to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Cook tofu steaks:
Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil if needed. Sear tofu steaks for 3: 4 minutes per side( until golden and crisp. Remove and keep warm.
Stir-fry vegetables:
In the same pan( add oil and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 30 seconds( then add frozen vegetables and cook over high heat for 5: 7 minutes( stirring often( until hot and just tender. Splash in the soy sauce and toss to coat.
Assemble and serve:
Plate a portion of rice( top with stir-fried vegetables( and place a tofu steak on top. Garnish with spring onions( sesame seeds( and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Crispy pan-seared tofu steaks, with colorful stir-fried vegetables, and rice are plated, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Crispy pan-seared tofu steaks, with colorful stir-fried vegetables, and rice are plated, ready to enjoy. | velvetthyme.com

This meal quickly became a staple for us( especially after my kids declared it their favorite way to eat tofu. Gathering everyone around the table to share this colorful plate always feels special.

Required Tools

Saucepan with lid( non-stick skillet or grill pan( knife and cutting board( mixing bowls

Allergen Information

Contains soy (tofu( soy sauce). May contain gluten (soy sauce)( use tamari for gluten-free. Check all packaged ingredients for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350( Total Fat: 11 g( Carbohydrates: 45 g( Protein: 18 g per serving

A close-up shows tender tofu steaks with rice and vegetables; a flavorful, quick plant-based meal. Save to Pinterest
A close-up shows tender tofu steaks with rice and vegetables; a flavorful, quick plant-based meal. | velvetthyme.com

Enjoy these tofu steaks hot from the pan and customize garnishes as you like. Perfect for meal prep or sharing.

Recipe FAQs

How do I press tofu properly?

Press tofu by wrapping it in a clean towel and placing a heavy object on top for 15-30 minutes. This removes excess moisture for better texture and browning.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas can be used. Stir-fry them until just tender for best results.

What’s the best oil for stir-frying tofu?

Use oils with a high smoke point such as sesame oil or olive oil to achieve a crisp, golden crust while adding subtle flavor.

How do I make the rice fluffy?

Rinse rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. Simmer covered until tender, then fluff with a fork to separate grains.

Can I add extra flavor to the tofu marinade?

Yes, adding ingredients like rice vinegar, maple syrup, or chili flakes can deepen the flavor profile and introduce a hint of sweetness or heat.

Pressed Tofu Steaks Stir-Fry

Golden pressed tofu steaks served with a colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables and fluffy rice for a quick meal.

Prep time
15 min
Time for cooking
25 min
Total process time
40 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Everyday Cozy Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Asian-inspired

Yield amount 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Vegan-friendly, No dairy

List of ingredients

Tofu Steaks

01 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed
02 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
03 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
04 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Vegetables

01 1 lb frozen mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, snap peas, bell peppers)
02 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

Rice

01 1 1/4 cups long-grain white or brown rice
02 2 cups water
03 1/2 tsp salt

Garnishes (optional)

01 2 tbsp chopped spring onions
02 1 tbsp sesame seeds
03 Chili flakes, to taste

How to make it

Step 01

Cook the rice: Rinse rice under cold water. Combine rice, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes for white rice or 30–35 minutes for brown rice until tender. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.

Step 02

Marinate tofu steaks: Slice pressed tofu into four thick steaks. Whisk together soy sauce, oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Coat tofu steaks with the marinade and let sit for 10 minutes.

Step 03

Sear tofu steaks: Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add oil if needed. Sear tofu steaks 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove and keep warm.

Step 04

Stir-fry vegetables: In the same pan, add oil and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, then add frozen vegetables and cook over high heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently until hot and just tender. Add soy sauce and toss to coat.

Step 05

Assemble and serve: Plate rice, top with stir-fried vegetables, and place a tofu steak on top. Garnish with spring onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Essential tools

  • Saucepan with lid
  • Non-stick skillet or grill pan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains soy (tofu, soy sauce); may contain gluten unless tamari is used.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 350
  • Fat content: 11 g
  • Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein amount: 18 g