Simple Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Snow Peas
A quick and light stir-fry featuring tender tofu cubes and crisp snow peas in a savory garlic sauce. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 22 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, minced 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups, trimmed snow peas
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz firm tofu cubes with 2 tbsp cornstarch in a bowl to coat evenly. This will help create a crispy exterior when frying.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add tofu cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes, turning gently to brown all sides until crispy and golden. Remove tofu to a plate.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups trimmed snow peas and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and sauce coats the tofu and peas.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions before serving immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Snow Peas take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Simple Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Snow Peas?
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 cornstarch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Snow Peas?
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 Simple Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Snow Peas 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.
What goes well with Simple Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Snow Peas?
Asian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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