Pan-Fried Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Snap Peas

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

Golden pan-fried tofu cubes tossed with crisp snap peas and a savory garlic soy sauce for a quick, flavorful Asian-inspired stir-fry. This asian-inspired vegan (gluten free option) ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz extra firm tofu cubes with 2 tbsp cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully until golden and crisp on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups trimmed snap peas and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to skillet and pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil. Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce coats tofu and snap peas.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) over the stir-fry. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Snap Peas 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 Pan-Fried Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 Pan-Fried Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Snap Peas 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 Pan-Fried Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Snap Peas gluten free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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