Soy-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick vegetarian stir fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in a savory soy-sesame sauce with fresh garlic and scallions. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 14 oz firm tofu with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes in 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped scallions, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Scallions 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-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Scallions?

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 Soy-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Scallions?

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-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Scallions 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-Sesame Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic and Scallions 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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