Sautéed Tofu and Bok Choy Stir Fry with Garlic Sauce

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

A vibrant, quick stir fry featuring tender bok choy and golden tofu cubes tossed in a savory garlic sauce. This chinese-inspired st. patrick’s day (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, baby bok choy, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 300 g firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and crisp on all sides; transfer tofu to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Rinse and halve 400 g baby bok choy lengthwise. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil, then 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add bok choy halves and stir fry for 3 minutes until leaves are wilted but stems remain crisp.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 100 ml water, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Pour sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to tofu and bok choy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Tofu and Bok Choy Stir Fry with Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Tofu and Bok Choy Stir Fry with Garlic 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Tofu and Bok Choy Stir Fry with Garlic 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 Tofu and Bok Choy Stir Fry with Garlic 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 Tofu and Bok Choy Stir Fry with Garlic Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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