Five-Spice Crispy Tofu with Bok Choy Stir-Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy baked tofu with a savory five-spice glaze, paired with tender bok choy in a quick ginger-garlic sauce. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal oil. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, bok choy, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Chinese cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 14 oz cubed tofu with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy around the edges.
  3. Step 3: While tofu bakes, whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp minced ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 tsp five-spice powder in a small bowl.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 bunch (12 oz) bok choy halves and stir-fry for 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
  5. Step 5: Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until slightly thickened. Add the baked tofu and toss gently until coated. Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through and sauce clings to the tofu.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Five-Spice Crispy Tofu with Bok Choy Stir-Fry 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 Five-Spice Crispy Tofu with Bok Choy 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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Five-Spice Crispy Tofu with Bok Choy 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 Five-Spice Crispy Tofu with Bok Choy 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 Five-Spice Crispy Tofu with Bok Choy Stir-Fry 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.

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