Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy Garlic Soy Glaze and Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy pan-seared tofu bites coated in a spicy garlic soy glaze, finished with fresh scallions for a flavorful vegan entrée. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 22 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 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: 12 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: While tofu cooks, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes in a small bowl.
  3. Step 3: Pour the soy-garlic mixture over the tofu in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 2-3 minutes, gently tossing to coat tofu cubes, until the sauce thickens and glazes the tofu.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tsp sesame seeds over top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Spicy 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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy 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-Seared Tofu with Spicy 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.

Is Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy Garlic Soy Glaze and Scallions 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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