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 (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

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.

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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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