Quick Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic-Soy Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fast and healthy stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes and tender broccoli florets coated in a savory garlic-soy sauce. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends broccoli florets, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz extra-firm tofu cut into 1-inch cubes. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pan, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 4 cups broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until bright green and just tender.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 3 tbsp water.
  4. Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture over the broccoli, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the pan, drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over everything, and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions and an optional 1/4 tsp red chili flakes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic-Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Quick Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic-Soy Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic-Soy Sauce?

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 Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic-Soy Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Quick Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic-Soy Sauce 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.

Related recipes