Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Oil
Firm tofu cubes stir-fried until golden and tossed in a bold garlic chili oil sauce for a fiery plant-based meal. This Asian-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 22 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 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, finely minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced scallions
- 1 tbsp, toasted sesame seeds
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Equipment for this recipe
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Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until the bottom side is golden and crispy.
- Step 2: Flip the tofu cubes carefully and cook for another 3 minutes until all sides are evenly golden.
- Step 3: Push tofu cubes to the side and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried red chili flakes to the empty space. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar in a small bowl, then pour into the pan. Toss everything to coat the tofu evenly, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the tofu.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the tofu before serving.







