Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili and Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu stir-fried with aromatic garlic and spicy red chili, finished with fresh scallions for a satisfying vegetarian entrée. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 22 minutes pairs grams firm tofu, drained and cubed, garlic cloves, minced, tablespoons vegetable oil 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: 12 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press excess water from 400 grams of firm tofu and cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
  3. Step 3: Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook without moving for 4 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip tofu cubes carefully and cook an additional 3 minutes until all sides are golden.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 medium thinly sliced red chili pepper; sauté with tofu for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 2 tablespoons soy sauce and drizzle 1 teaspoon sesame oil evenly, then sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat and cook for 1 more minute until sauce slightly thickens.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced green onions before serving hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili and Scallions 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 Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili 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 garlic cloves, minced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili 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 Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili 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 Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili and Scallions vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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