Quick Pan-Seared Tofu with Garlic and Soy Glaze
Golden pan-seared tofu cubes coated in a savory garlic soy glaze for a satisfying vegetarian dish. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess water. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Mince 4 garlic cloves and slice 2 green onions thinly.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp brown sugar until sugar dissolves.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour soy sauce mixture over tofu and toss gently to coat. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the tofu.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions on top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Pan-Seared Tofu with Garlic and Soy Glaze 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 Quick Pan-Seared Tofu with Garlic and Soy Glaze?
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 Quick Pan-Seared Tofu with Garlic and Soy Glaze?
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 Quick Pan-Seared Tofu with Garlic and Soy Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Quick Pan-Seared Tofu with Garlic and Soy Glaze?
Asian vegetarian 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.
