Soft Tofu and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26

Silky soft tofu stir-fried with earthy shiitake mushrooms and green onions in a savory garlic soy sauce, an elegant vegetarian dish for brunch or light dinner. This chinese-inspired brunch (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes combines soft tofu, dried shiitake mushrooms, vegetable oil into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. 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

• 400 g soft tofu
• 30 g dried shiitake mushrooms
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp water
• 1/4 tsp white pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Soak 30 g dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes until soft; drain, squeeze out excess water, and slice thinly.
2. Step 2: Cut 400 g soft tofu into 1-inch cubes carefully to avoid breaking.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 3 tbsp water, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 tsp white pepper until smooth; set aside.
4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 2/3 of the chopped scallions; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
6. Step 6: Gently add the tofu cubes to the skillet and carefully stir to combine without mashing. Pour in the prepared sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and mushrooms.
7. Step 7: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the dish, sprinkle the remaining scallions on top, and remove from heat. Serve immediately with steamed rice or as a light brunch entrée.