Chen-Style Ginger-Scallion Tofu Stir-Fry
Silken tofu gently pan-fried and tossed in a vibrant ginger-scallion sauce for a fragrant, protein-packed vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free, vegetarian) ready in about 37 minutes pairs block extra-firm tofu, minced fresh ginger, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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
- 14 oz block extra-firm tofu
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 4 (white and green parts separated) scallions
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: Press tofu between paper towels for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes and toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 tbsp oil to the skillet with minced ginger and white parts of scallions. Sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 4: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and 2 tbsp water. Pour into skillet, bringing to a simmer for 1 minute.
- Step 5: Return tofu to skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and coats tofu. Stir in green scallions and sesame oil, then serve over cooked rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chen-Style Ginger-Scallion Tofu Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 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 Chen-Style Ginger-Scallion 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 block extra-firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chen-Style Ginger-Scallion 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 Chen-Style Ginger-Scallion 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.
Is Chen-Style Ginger-Scallion Tofu Stir-Fry gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
