Stir-Fried Tofu with Aged Soy Sauce and Garlic Greens
A quick stir-fry that highlights firm tofu and fresh greens in a savory sauce made from aged soy, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5 minced garlic cloves
- 4 heads, halved lengthwise baby bok choy
- 3 tbsp aged soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 tsp optional red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 sliced for garnish scallions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until golden on the bottom.
- Step 2: Flip the tofu cubes and cook for another 3 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet and sauté 5 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 4 halved baby bok choy and stir-fry for 3 minutes until the greens are bright and stems begin to soften.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp aged soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Pour the sauce over the bok choy and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Return the tofu to the pan, toss gently to coat with sauce, and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil on top.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Aged Soy Sauce and Garlic Greens 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 with Aged Soy Sauce and Garlic Greens?
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 with Aged Soy Sauce and Garlic Greens?
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 with Aged Soy Sauce and Garlic Greens 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 with Aged Soy Sauce and Garlic Greens 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! The aged soy sauce gives such a deep umami flavor, and the garlic greens are perfect.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely delicious. The tofu was perfectly crispy and the garlic greens added the right amount of freshness.
- ★★★★★
My family loved this dish. It's so easy and packed with flavor. Will make it again and again!








