Sautéed Tofu and Mixed Vegetables with Spicy Garlic Sauce

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

A vibrant stir-fry combining tender tofu and crunchy vegetables tossed in a savory, spicy garlic sauce, perfect for a quick vegetarian dinner. This asian-inspired st. patrick’s day (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, soy sauce, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz extra firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and sauté for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1.5 cups broccoli florets, and 1 julienned large carrot. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Pour this sauce into the skillet and stir until it thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 chopped scallions before serving hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Tofu and Mixed Vegetables with Spicy Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Mixed Vegetables with Spicy 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 extra firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Tofu and Mixed Vegetables with Spicy 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 Mixed Vegetables with Spicy Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Mixed Vegetables with Spicy 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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