Garlic and Herb Stir-Fried Tofu with Mixed Vegetables
Firm tofu quickly stir-fried with a fragrant garlic and herb sauce alongside crisp, colorful vegetables. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs sesame oil, minced garlic cloves, grated fresh ginger 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 firm tofu
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 medium, sliced thinly red bell pepper
- 1 cup, trimmed snap peas
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 2 stalks, sliced green onions
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Step 2: Push the tofu to one side of the pan. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the empty side, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup trimmed snap peas, and 1 medium julienned carrot to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss everything together to coat the tofu and vegetables evenly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic and Herb Stir-Fried Tofu with Mixed 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 Herb Stir-Fried Tofu with Mixed 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 sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Herb Stir-Fried Tofu with Mixed 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 Herb Stir-Fried Tofu with Mixed Vegetables 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 Herb Stir-Fried Tofu with Mixed Vegetables vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.