Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables with Spicy Garlic Sauce

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

A vibrant stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and fresh vegetables coated in a spicy garlic sauce that balances heat and savory flavors. This Asian-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring to get a golden crust, then gently flip and cook another 3 minutes until all sides are golden. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups broccoli florets and 1 medium sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Sriracha, and 1 tsp brown sugar, then pour into the skillet. Add the tofu back in and toss everything together.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water, stir well, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables with 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 with 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables with 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 with Spicy 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.

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

Asian sandwiches & wraps 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes