Sautéed Spicy Tofu with Garlic and Chili Oil

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

Crispy tofu cubes sautéed with fragrant garlic and fiery chili oil for a quick and satisfying vegan stir-fry. This asian fusion-inspired vegan ready in about 20 minutes pairs (400 g) firm tofu, pressed and cubed, garlic cloves, thinly sliced, chili oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring until the bottoms are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Flip the tofu cubes and add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp chili oil, stirring gently. Sauté for 2 more minutes until the garlic is fragrant and tofu is evenly browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu. Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Spicy Tofu with Garlic and Chili Oil take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Spicy Tofu with Garlic and Chili Oil?

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 garlic cloves, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spicy Tofu with Garlic and Chili Oil?

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 Spicy Tofu with Garlic and Chili Oil 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 Spicy Tofu with Garlic and Chili Oil 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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