Stir-Fried Tofu and Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce

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

A vibrant vegetarian stir fry featuring crispy tofu and tender bok choy tossed in a savory garlic soy sauce. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, baby bok choy, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz cubed firm tofu with 1 tsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and pan-fry tofu for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz halved baby bok choy and stir-fry for 3 minutes until leaves are wilted and stems are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp water, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), then pour over bok choy and add tofu back to the pan.
  5. Step 5: Toss gently and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu and Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce 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 Tofu and Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce?

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 Tofu and Bok Choy with Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Tofu and Bok Choy with Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Tofu and Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes