Quick Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili

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

A fast and flavorful stir-fry featuring crispy tofu bathed in a spicy garlic chili sauce, perfect for a weeknight meal. This asian-inspired new year (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, garlic cloves, fresh red chili for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu with paper towels for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy all over. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves, and 1 thinly sliced fresh red chili. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to skillet, add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Toss everything together and cook for 2 more minutes until tofu is glazed and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped green onions before serving immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili?

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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili?

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 Garlic and Chili 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 with Garlic and Chili 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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