Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Broccoli
Golden, crispy tofu cubes stir-fried with tender broccoli and a savory garlic sauce for a healthy and satisfying meal. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, (about 10 oz) broccoli florets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cups (about 10 oz) broccoli florets
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 tsp optional red pepper flakes
- 2 sliced for garnish green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: After pressing and cubing a 14 oz block of extra firm tofu into 1-inch pieces, toss the tofu gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 cups broccoli florets and 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Add back the crispy tofu, then pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu and broccoli.
- Step 5: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve hot with rice or noodles of choice.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Broccoli take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Broccoli?
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 cornstarch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Broccoli?
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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Broccoli for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Broccoli vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.