Garlic and Chili Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Tofu
A spicy, garlicky stir-fry packed with broccoli and tofu to deliver immune-boosting antioxidants and comforting heat during cold season. This asian fusion-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs broccoli florets, thinly sliced garlic cloves, red chili flakes 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, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes extra-firm tofu
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2, sliced thinly green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and slightly crispy.
- Step 2: Remove tofu to a plate and add 1 tbsp sesame oil to the skillet. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet and pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes so the sauce coats the tofu and broccoli.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions, and serve immediately for a spicy immune-boosting meal.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic and Chili Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Tofu take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Garlic and Chili Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Tofu?
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 Garlic and Chili Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Tofu?
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 Garlic and Chili Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Tofu 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 Garlic and Chili Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Tofu 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.