Hunan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili

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

Firm tofu stir-fried with bold garlic and chili flavors, a satisfying vegetarian dish inspired by Hunan cuisine. This Chinese-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs firm tofu, garlic cloves, fresh red chili 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until all sides are golden and crispy; remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 5 minced garlic cloves and 2 finely chopped fresh red chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl, then pour into the skillet.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu evenly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions before serving with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hunan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili 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 Hunan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili?

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 Hunan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili?

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 Hunan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili 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 Hunan-Style Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili 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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