Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Flakes
A vegan stir-fry combining crispy tofu with a bold garlic and chili flake sauce for a quick, satisfying meal. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 400 g firm tofu
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 1.5 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 stalks green onions
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 400 g firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Mince 4 garlic cloves and slice 3 green onions, separating whites and greens.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and the minced garlic along with 1.5 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 tsp salt to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with the sliced green parts of the green onions. Serve over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Flakes take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Flakes?
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 firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Flakes?
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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Flakes 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Flakes 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.
