Soy-Glazed Tofu with Garlic and Green Onion

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

Pan-seared tofu cubes coated in a savory soy glaze with aromatic garlic and fresh green onions, perfect for a vegetarian main. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs soy sauce, minced garlic cloves, vegetable oil 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 350 grams firm tofu cubes and pan-sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
  2. Step 2: Push tofu to the side and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp brown sugar, combining well to create a glaze. Toss tofu gently in the sauce and cook for 2 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the tofu.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 3 chopped green onion stalks and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds over the tofu. Serve immediately with steamed rice or salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Glazed Tofu with Garlic and Green Onion take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Soy-Glazed Tofu with Garlic and Green Onion?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Glazed Tofu with Garlic and Green Onion?

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 Soy-Glazed Tofu with Garlic and Green Onion 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 Soy-Glazed Tofu with Garlic and Green Onion 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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