Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Fresh Chilies and Garlic

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

Crisp tofu cubes bathed in a vibrant sauce of fresh chilies and garlic, delivering a perfect balance of heat and umami. This asian (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs firm tofu, fresh red chilies, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 141 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 141 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes, and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until golden on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 fresh red chilies, finely chopped, and 4 cloves garlic, minced, and stir-fry for 1 minute until chilies soften and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Mix 1/2 tsp cornstarch with 1 tsp cold water to make a slurry, then add to the wok. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the tofu evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Fresh Chilies and Garlic 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Fresh Chilies and Garlic?

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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Fresh Chilies and Garlic?

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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Fresh Chilies and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Fresh Chilies and Garlic 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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