Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and savory stir-fry featuring firm tofu and earthy shiitake mushrooms in a fragrant garlic sauce. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, fresh shiitake mushrooms, vegetable oil 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Clean and slice 6 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms into thin strips.
  3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1/4 cup water until smooth; set aside.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy; remove tofu and set aside.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Step 6: Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender and edges begin to crisp.
  7. Step 7: Return the tofu to the skillet and pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and mushrooms.
  8. Step 8: Season with 1/4 tsp ground black pepper and sprinkle 2 sliced scallions on top before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms 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 Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms?

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 Garlic Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms?

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 Garlic Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms 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 Garlic Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms 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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