Daylily and Tofu Sauté with Garlic and Sesame Oil
Crisp tofu cubes paired with tender rehydrated daylilies in a garlicky, sesame-scented sauce, finished with a hint of sweetness for a vibrant vegetarian dish. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cut into 1/2-inch cubes firm tofu, rehydrated and chopped dried daylilies, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, cut into 1/2-inch cubes firm tofu
- 1/2 cup, rehydrated and chopped dried daylilies
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 8 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown on all sides; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup chopped rehydrated dried daylilies, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp white pepper; stir-fry for 2 minutes until the daylilies are tender.
- Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet, add 1 tsp sesame oil, and toss to coat; cook for 1 minute until heated through.
- Step 5: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped scallions and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Daylily and Tofu Sauté with Garlic and Sesame Oil 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 Daylily and Tofu Sauté with Garlic and Sesame Oil?
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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Daylily and Tofu Sauté with Garlic and Sesame Oil?
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 Daylily and Tofu Sauté with Garlic and Sesame Oil 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 Daylily and Tofu Sauté with Garlic and Sesame Oil 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
