Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Chili-Garlic Sauce

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

Crisp-tender tofu stir-fried with broccoli florets and coated in a spicy, savory chili-garlic sauce for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired father’s day (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, broccoli florets, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 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. Add 14 oz pressed, cubed tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 3 cups broccoli florets and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over tofu and broccoli. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens, coats tofu and broccoli, and becomes glossy.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Chili-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 Chili-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 Chili-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 Chili-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 Chili-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.

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