Garlic Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Snap Peas

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

Crisp-tender tofu and snap peas bathed in a fragrant ginger-garlic sauce, elevated by sesame oil and served over fluffy rice. This chinese-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs pressed and cubed firm tofu, trimmed snap peas, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add cubed tofu and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 cup trimmed snap peas and cook for 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 2 tbsp water. Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately over 4 cups cooked white rice, garnished with 2 tbsp sliced green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Snap Peas take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Snap Peas?

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 pressed and cubed firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Snap Peas?

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 Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Snap Peas 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 Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Snap Peas 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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