Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Ginger

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

Crisp tofu cubes stir-fried with aromatic garlic and ginger, finished with a spicy soy glaze for a quick vegan delight. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 27 minutes pairs extra-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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 14 oz extra-firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and lightly toss with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp; transfer to a plate.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sriracha, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return the tofu cubes to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce for 1 minute.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped scallions and 1 tsp sesame seeds over the tofu before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Ginger?

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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Ginger?

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 Ginger 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 Ginger 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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