Stir-Fried Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms with Garlic Sauce
A vibrant vegan stir fry featuring tofu and shiitake mushrooms coated in a savory garlic sauce that soaks deeply into every bite. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, drained and cubed, fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced, 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, drained and cubed
- 8 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the same skillet. Sauté 5 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 8 oz sliced shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until mushrooms are tender and browned.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
- Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over. Toss everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the tofu and mushrooms beautifully.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving to imbibe the savory garlic flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms 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 Shiitake Mushrooms 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, drained and cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms 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 Shiitake Mushrooms 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 Shiitake Mushrooms with Garlic Sauce vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
