Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables
Tender tofu cubes and crisp vegetables in a savory garlic-ginger sauce, ready in under 30 minutes for a quick weeknight meal. This chinese-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon, minced ginger
- 2 medium, julienned carrots
- 1.5 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2, sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
- Step 2: Remove tofu and set aside. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon minced ginger to the wok, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 medium julienned carrots and 1.5 cups broccoli florets, cooking for 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water. Pour over vegetables and stir to coat. Return tofu to the wok and toss to combine, cooking for 2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables 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 Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables?
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 firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables?
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 Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables 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 Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables 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
- ★★★★★
My kids begged for seconds! The garlic and ginger really shone through without overpowering the tofu.
- ★★★★★
Best tofu stir-fry I've made! Crispy texture and fresh ginger taste made it restaurant-quality.
- ★★★★☆
Perfectly balanced flavors, though I wish the ginger was a bit stronger. Great for meal prep!