Layered Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Scallions

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

A savory stir-fry featuring firm tofu cooked with garlic and scallions to create layers of flavor and texture. This Asian-inspired Super Bowl recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu between paper towels for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1/2-inch thick slices.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tofu slices in a single layer and cook for 4 minutes until golden and crisp on the bottom.
  3. Step 3: Flip the tofu slices carefully and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 4 sliced scallions to the skillet, stirring around the tofu for 2 minutes until fragrant and scallions soften.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/4 tsp ground white pepper, and sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt evenly. Continue cooking while gently tossing tofu for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra scallion slices if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Layered Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Layered Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Scallions?

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 Layered Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Scallions?

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 Layered Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Scallions 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 Layered Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Scallions 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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