Budget-Friendly Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir-fry featuring crisp broccoli and golden tofu in a savory garlic sauce, perfect for a wholesome and economical dinner. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs broccoli florets, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu from pan and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 4 cups broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/4 cup water, and 5 minced garlic cloves in a small bowl. Pour this sauce mixture over the broccoli and stir well.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently with the sauce and broccoli. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Budget-Friendly Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Budget-Friendly Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce?

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 broccoli florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Budget-Friendly Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce?

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 Budget-Friendly Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Budget-Friendly Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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