Stir-Fried Tofu with Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms in Garlic Sauce
A vibrant vegetarian stir-fry combining tender tofu, crunchy bok choy, and earthy shiitake mushrooms tossed in a savory garlic soy sauce. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu, chopped bok choy, sliced shiitake mushrooms into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu
- 2 cups chopped bok choy
- 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 sliced green onions
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Step 2: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms to the skillet, sauté for 3 minutes until mushrooms soften and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups chopped bok choy and 1/2 tsp salt, cooking for another 3 minutes until bok choy is bright green and slightly tender.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using.
- Step 5: Pour sauce into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats tofu and vegetables.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms in Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Tofu with Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms in Garlic Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms in 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 with Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms in 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 with Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms in Garlic Sauce 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.