Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili Sauce

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

A vibrant vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in a fragrant garlic-chili sauce with fresh vegetables for a satisfying Asian-inspired meal. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes blends vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced, fresh red chili, sliced thin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crisp.
  2. Step 2: Push tofu to one side of the pan. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced fresh red chili to the empty side and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar; mix well to coat the tofu and garlic-chili mixture.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced green bell pepper and 1 cup snap peas; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili Sauce?

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 Garlic and Chili Sauce 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili Sauce 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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