Stir-Fried Korean Tofu with Garlic and Scallions

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

Crisp yet tender tofu cubes stir-fried with fragrant garlic and scallions, finished with a savory soy glaze for a quick Korean-inspired vegetarian dish. This korean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced 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. 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 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 14 oz extra-firm tofu and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch to coat all sides evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the tofu cubes and cook an additional 3 minutes until all sides are crisp and golden. Remove tofu and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to skillet, add 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until tofu is evenly coated and scallions are just wilted.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Korean Tofu with Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Korean Tofu with Garlic 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 cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Korean Tofu with Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Korean Tofu with Garlic 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.

Is Stir-Fried Korean Tofu with Garlic and Scallions 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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