Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger and Scallions
Crisp tofu cubes stir-fried with fresh ginger, scallions, and a spicy chili-garlic sauce for a quick vegetarian delight. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, vegetable oil, fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 4 stalks, sliced on the diagonal scallions
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz of 1-inch cubed extra firm tofu and sauté for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crisp.
- Step 2: Push tofu to the side of the pan and add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 4 diagonally sliced scallion stalks. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the tofu is evenly coated and heated through.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger and Scallions 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 Ginger and Scallions?
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 Ginger and Scallions?
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 Ginger and Scallions 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 Ginger and Scallions?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A must-try for any vegan! Super quick and flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Best tofu stir-fry I've ever made. Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Excellent recipe, very authentic. My family loved it.







