Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables in Spicy Garlic Sauce

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

Firm tofu and crisp vegetables tossed in a vibrant, spicy garlic sauce make a flavorful vegetarian stir-fry perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, pressed and cubed, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.6 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 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 or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and slightly crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pan, add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 2 cups broccoli florets, and 1 large julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the pan and pour the sauce mixture over everything. Stir continuously and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats tofu and vegetables evenly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables in Spicy Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Vegetables in Spicy 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, pressed and cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables in Spicy 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 Vegetables in Spicy Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables in Spicy Garlic Sauce?

Asian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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