Bamboo Shoot and Tofu Stir-Fry
A refreshing vegetarian Cantonese dish featuring crisp bamboo shoots and silky tofu in a light soy-ginger sauce. This cantonese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, bamboo shoots, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 150g firm tofu
- 80g bamboo shoots
- 15g garlic
- 10ml light soy sauce
- 5ml sesame oil
- 15ml cornstarch slurry
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 150g firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1.5cm cubes. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, drain.
- Step 2: Slice 80g bamboo shoots into thin strips and mince 15g garlic.
- Step 3: Heat 5ml sesame oil in a wok over high heat, add tofu and stir-fry for 2 minutes until golden.
- Step 4: Add bamboo shoots and garlic, stir-frying for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in 10ml light soy sauce and 15ml cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until sauce coats ingredients and thickens (about 1 minute).
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bamboo Shoot and Tofu Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Bamboo Shoot and Tofu Stir-Fry?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bamboo Shoot and Tofu Stir-Fry?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bamboo Shoot and Tofu Stir-Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bamboo Shoot and Tofu Stir-Fry?
Cantonese vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order cantonese delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.