Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze and Scallion Garnish

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

Firm tofu pan-fried to a golden crust and coated in a savory garlic-soy glaze, finished with fresh scallions for brightness. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs block firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. Toss tofu slices gently in 3 tbsp cornstarch to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu slices and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
  4. Step 4: Pour the garlic-soy glaze over the tofu in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the tofu, until the glaze thickens and coats the pieces.
  5. Step 5: Transfer tofu to a serving plate and sprinkle 2 sliced scallions on top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze and Scallion Garnish 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 with Garlic-Soy Glaze and Scallion Garnish?

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 block firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze and Scallion Garnish?

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 with Garlic-Soy Glaze and Scallion Garnish 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 with Garlic-Soy Glaze and Scallion Garnish 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.

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