Quick Stir-Fry Tofu with Broccoli and Garlic Soy Sauce
A fast and flavorful stir-fry showcasing crispy tofu, tender broccoli, and a garlicky soy sauce glaze perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes blends broccoli florets, garlic cloves, minced, soy sauce 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 320 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 (400 g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the soy sauce mixture over. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu and broccoli.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Stir-Fry Tofu with Broccoli and 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-Fry Tofu with Broccoli and 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-Fry Tofu with Broccoli and 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-Fry Tofu with Broccoli and Garlic Soy 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.
Is Quick Stir-Fry Tofu with Broccoli and Garlic Soy Sauce 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.
