Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic Soy Glaze and Stir-Fried Bok Choy

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-fried tofu glazed with a savory garlic soy sauce, paired with crisp stir-fried bok choy for a quick vegan Asian meal. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs soy sauce, maple syrup, minced garlic cloves 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 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 2 tsp sesame oil. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet, toss gently to coat with the garlic soy glaze, and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: In a separate wok or large pan, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat. Add 4 halved baby bok choy and 2 sliced green onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bok choy stalks are tender but leaves remain bright green.
  6. Step 6: Serve the glazed tofu atop the stir-fried bok choy, spooning extra glaze from the pan over the dish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic Soy Glaze and Stir-Fried Bok Choy 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 Stir-Fried Bok Choy?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu with Garlic Soy Glaze and Stir-Fried Bok Choy?

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 Stir-Fried Bok Choy 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 Stir-Fried Bok Choy?

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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