Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze and Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy pan-fried tofu coated in a savory garlic-soy glaze, garnished with fresh scallions for a simple, satisfying vegan dish. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, soy sauce 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu (1/2-inch cubes) in a single layer and cook without moving for 4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp.
  2. Step 2: Flip the tofu cubes and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until evenly golden and crispy all over.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Cook for 2 minutes, tossing gently to coat tofu in the glossy glaze until it thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 3 thinly sliced scallions before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze 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 Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze 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.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Soy Glaze and Scallions?

Asian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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