Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Green Beans

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with crisp green beans, garlic, and a spicy soy-chili sauce for a flavorful vegetarian main or side dish. This asian-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs trimmed and halved green beans, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 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 golden brown on the bottom, then gently flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the same skillet, then add 8 oz trimmed green beans and sauté for 5 minutes until bright green and just tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar until sugar dissolves.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over. Toss everything to coat and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and glazes tofu and green beans.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Green Beans?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

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

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 Green Beans 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 Green Beans vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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