Pressed Tofu Steaks Stir Vegetables

Featured in: Everyday Family Meals

This dish features thick, golden-pressed tofu steaks seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika, seared to a crisp finish. Accompanied by a vibrant stir-fry of frozen mixed vegetables sautéed with soy sauce and garlic, the combination is completed with tender, fluffy rice. A wholesome, easy-to-prepare, plant-based meal ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for a quick yet nutritious option packed with flavor and texture.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:49:00 GMT
Golden-brown pressed tofu steaks sit atop colorful stir-fried vegetables with white rice. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown pressed tofu steaks sit atop colorful stir-fried vegetables with white rice. | recipesbies.com

Hearty tofu steaks, golden and crisp, paired with a vibrant medley of stir-fried frozen vegetables and fluffy rice provide a quick, wholesome plant-based meal.

When I first made these tofu steaks, the crispy edges and simple marinade won over my friends even those skeptical of tofu. They were amazed by how the stir-fried veggies and rice made the meal comforting and loaded with flavor.

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 to 20 minutes (white rice) or 30 to 35 minutes (brown rice), until tender. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
Marinate 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:
Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add oil if needed. Sear tofu steaks for 3 to 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 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until hot and just tender. Splash in the soy sauce and toss to coat.
Assemble:
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.
A steaming plate of Pressed Tofu Steaks features crispy tofu and delicious, seasoned vegetables. Save to Pinterest
A steaming plate of Pressed Tofu Steaks features crispy tofu and delicious, seasoned vegetables. | recipesbies.com

I always make this recipe for family dinners when we need something filling that everyone can enjoy together, regardless of dietary preferences. Kids love building their plates and adding extra sesame seeds or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains soy. May contain gluten if using soy sauce. Double-check all packaged items for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains about 350 calories, 11 g total fat, 45 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein.

Enjoy a visual of vegan Pressed Tofu Steaks: pan-seared tofu, rice, and fresh vegetables make a complete meal. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy a visual of vegan Pressed Tofu Steaks: pan-seared tofu, rice, and fresh vegetables make a complete meal. | recipesbies.com

Pressed tofu steaks with stir-fried vegetables and rice make dinner both simple and memorable. Enjoy with your favorite garnishes for a tasty meal every time.

Answers to Recipe Questions

How do I press tofu properly?

Place extra-firm tofu between paper towels and apply weight for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispier texture when cooked.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh vegetables can be used; just adjust stir-fry time until they are tender but still crisp.

What oils work best for searing tofu?

Olive oil or sesame oil are ideal for their flavor and high smoke points, helping tofu develop a golden crust.

How do I achieve crispy tofu steaks?

Press tofu well, marinate to add flavor, and sear on medium-high heat without moving too much for a crisp, golden exterior.

What rice varieties suit this dish?

Long-grain white or brown rice works well; adjust cooking time to achieve fluffy, tender grains.

Pressed Tofu Steaks Stir Vegetables

Crisp tofu steaks served with vibrant stir-fried vegetables and fluffy rice for a quick wholesome meal.

Prep duration
15 mins
Time to cook
25 mins
Overall time
40 mins
Published by Sophie Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Asian-inspired

Serves 4 Serving size

Dietary Details Plant-based, No dairy used

What you need

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 (e.g., 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. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. 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 the pressed tofu into 4 thick steaks. In a shallow dish, whisk soy sauce, oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Coat tofu steaks in 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 for 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 tender. Add soy sauce and toss to coat.

Step 05

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.

Equipment You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens, and reach out to a healthcare pro if unsure.
  • Contains soy (tofu, soy sauce).
  • May contain gluten if soy sauce is used; tamari is gluten-free.

Nutrition info (by portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance. Please consult a medical expert if you need advice.
  • Total Calories: 350
  • Fat content: 11 g
  • Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein content: 18 g