Quick Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Chili Garlic Sauce
A fast and easy stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and vibrant broccoli tossed in a spicy chili garlic sauce perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes blends broccoli florets, vegetable oil, finely minced garlic cloves 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 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, finely minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry) cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and 1/4 cup water, cover and steam for 3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Return tofu to the pan and pour in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water). Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats tofu and broccoli evenly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Chili Garlic 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 with Broccoli and Chili Garlic 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 with Broccoli and Chili Garlic 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 with Broccoli and Chili Garlic Sauce 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 Quick Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Chili Garlic Sauce?
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.
Related recipes
Sesame-Ginger Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Snow Peas
Stir-Fried Tofu with Regional Vegetable Medley and Garlic Sauce
Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic-Soy Glaze
Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashew in Garlic Soy Sauce
Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic-Ginger and Snow Peas
Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic, White Pepper, and Light Dusting of Chili Flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
