Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Oil

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

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 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Flip the tofu cubes carefully and cook for another 3 minutes until all sides are evenly golden.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the tofu before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Oil 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Oil?

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 Oil?

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 Oil 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 Oil 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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