Spicy Sautéed Tofu with Garlic and Chili over Jasmine Rice

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

Firm tofu cubes sautéed with garlic and red chili flakes, served atop fragrant jasmine rice for a quick vegan meal with a fiery kick. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 35 minutes pairs vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves, red chili flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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: 25 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice until water runs clear. Combine rice with 1 1/4 cups water in a pot, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz extra-firm tofu cubes and cook, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until all sides are golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes to the pan with tofu. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce and 1 tsp brown sugar, cooking for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Serve the spicy tofu over the cooked jasmine rice and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Sautéed Tofu with Garlic and Chili over Jasmine Rice take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Sautéed Tofu with Garlic and Chili over Jasmine Rice?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Sautéed Tofu with Garlic and Chili over Jasmine Rice?

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 Sautéed Tofu with Garlic and Chili over Jasmine Rice 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 Sautéed Tofu with Garlic and Chili over Jasmine Rice 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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