Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Soy Sauce

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

A vibrant vegetarian stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and broccoli florets tossed in a savory garlic soy sauce, ideal for a quick and healthy meal. This asian-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, broccoli florets, vegetable oil 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz extra firm tofu cubes and sauté for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and slightly crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and 1/4 cup water to the skillet. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over the tofu and broccoli. Toss gently and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Soy 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 Broccoli with Garlic Soy 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 extra firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu and Broccoli with Garlic Soy 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 Broccoli with Garlic Soy 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 Broccoli with Garlic Soy 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.

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