Pan-Seared Tofu with Black Garlic Soy Reduction

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

Golden pan-seared tofu cubes glazed with a rich, umami-packed black garlic soy sauce reduction, garnished with scallions for a balanced vegetarian dish. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, mashed black 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 400 g firm tofu between paper towels for 20 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and pan-sear for 4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 4 mashed black garlic cloves, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water.
  4. Step 4: Pour the black garlic soy mixture into the skillet with tofu. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens and coats tofu.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 thinly sliced scallion stalks on top, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Tofu with Black Garlic Soy Reduction 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-Seared Tofu with Black Garlic Soy Reduction?

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 Pan-Seared Tofu with Black Garlic Soy Reduction?

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-Seared Tofu with Black Garlic Soy Reduction 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-Seared Tofu with Black Garlic Soy Reduction 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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