Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Tofu Stir Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir-fried tofu with fresh spinach and garlic in a light soy sauce glaze, perfect for a healthy vegan meal. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fresh spinach leaves, minced garlic cloves, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra firm tofu and sauté for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Push tofu to one side of the pan. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes to the empty side and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 cups fresh spinach leaves and 3 tbsp soy sauce to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and soy sauce lightly coats tofu and greens.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil over the stir fry and toss once more. Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Tofu Stir Fry 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 Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Tofu Stir Fry?

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 fresh spinach leaves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Tofu Stir Fry?

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 Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Tofu Stir Fry 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 Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Tofu Stir Fry 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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