Stir-Fried Tofu and Spinach with Garlic and Sesame

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

A light and flavorful vegetarian stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and vibrant spinach, infused with fragrant garlic and toasted sesame seeds. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs grams firm tofu, grams fresh spinach leaves, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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: 12 min Serves 2 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 300 grams of firm tofu with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Peel and finely mince 4 garlic cloves.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat; add the tofu cubes and sauté for 5-6 minutes until all sides turn golden and slightly crispy.
  4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Step 5: Add 200 grams of fresh spinach leaves and 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over the mixture, sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  7. Step 7: Toss everything together for another minute so the flavors meld, then remove from heat and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu and Spinach with Garlic and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Spinach with Garlic and Sesame?

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 grams firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu and Spinach with Garlic and Sesame?

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 Spinach with Garlic and Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spinach with Garlic and Sesame 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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