Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli in Garlic Soy Glaze
A simple and flavorful vegetarian stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and tender broccoli florets coated in a savory garlic soy glaze. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, gluten free option) ready in about 25 minutes pairs broccoli florets, sesame oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, drained and cubed into 1-inch pieces firm tofu
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 stalks, sliced thin green onions
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Press excess water from 14 oz firm tofu block, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
- Step 6: Pour the sauce over the broccoli in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli.
- Step 7: Return the crispy tofu cubes to the pan, toss gently to combine and heat through for 1 minute.
- Step 8: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli in Garlic Soy Glaze 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 Broccoli in Garlic Soy Glaze?
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 broccoli florets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli in Garlic Soy Glaze?
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 Broccoli in Garlic Soy Glaze 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 Broccoli in Garlic Soy Glaze vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
