Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews in Spicy Garlic Sauce

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

Crisp tofu cubes stir-fried with fresh broccoli and crunchy cashews, coated in a bold, spicy garlic sauce perfect over steamed rice. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, broccoli florets, unsalted cashews 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

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 nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed tofu cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and slightly crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Stir-fry 3 cups broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sriracha, and 1 tsp brown sugar in a small bowl. Pour this sauce into the pan, then add 1/2 cup unsalted cashews and the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water). Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the pan and toss gently to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews 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 with Broccoli and Cashews 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 extra firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews 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 with Broccoli and Cashews 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.

Is Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews in Spicy Garlic Sauce 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