Stir-Fried 5R-Size Tofu Cubes with Garlic and Ginger

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu cut into 5R photo-sized cubes stir-fried with aromatic garlic and ginger for a savory, crisp-textured vegan dish. This chinese-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 400 g firm tofu and pat dry. Using a ruler, cut tofu into rectangular cubes approximately 12.7 cm by 17.8 cm by 1.5 cm thick, mimicking 5R photo dimensions, then cut each rectangle into smaller bite-sized cubes about 2 cm each.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring until the bottom is golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Carefully flip tofu cubes and cook the other side for another 3 minutes until crisp.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil, stirring gently to coat tofu evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using.
  6. Step 6: Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly and tofu absorbs the flavors. Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried 5R-Size Tofu Cubes with Garlic and Ginger 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 Stir-Fried 5R-Size Tofu Cubes 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried 5R-Size Tofu Cubes 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 Stir-Fried 5R-Size Tofu Cubes 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 Stir-Fried 5R-Size Tofu Cubes 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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