Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chilies

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

Firm tofu stir-fried with fiery fresh chilies, garlic, and a savory soy glaze for a bold plant-based dish. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, 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: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 14 oz firm tofu and toss cubes with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add tofu cubes in a single layer and stir-fry for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 3 sliced fresh red chilies to the same wok. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar in a bowl, then pour into the wok. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the wok and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chilies take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Chilies?

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 Chilies?

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 Chilies 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.

What goes well with Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chilies?

Asian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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