Sautéed Shiitake Mushroom and Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic-Sesame Sauce

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Earthy shiitake mushrooms and firm tofu quickly sautéed in a savory garlic and sesame sauce, creating a satisfying vegan stir fry. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs extra firm tofu, drained and cubed, fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz extra firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and sauté for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil and 4 minced garlic cloves along with 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until they release moisture and start to brown at the edges.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet. Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Cook and toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu and mushrooms.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp chopped scallions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shiitake Mushroom and Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic-Sesame Sauce 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 Shiitake Mushroom and Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic-Sesame Sauce?

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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shiitake Mushroom and Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic-Sesame 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 Sautéed Shiitake Mushroom and Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic-Sesame 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 Sautéed Shiitake Mushroom and Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic-Sesame 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.

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