Stir-Fried Tofu with Broccoli and Spicy Garlic Sauce

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26

Crispy pan-fried tofu and tender broccoli florets tossed in a bold, spicy garlic sauce for a satisfying vegan stir fry. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 cornstarch
• 3 tbsp, divided vegetable oil
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2, sliced into 1-inch pieces green onions
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry a 14 oz block of firm tofu and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until bottoms are golden and crispy.
3. Step 3: Flip tofu cubes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until all sides are golden. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
5. Step 5: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes to the broccoli, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the skillet and toss to coat the broccoli.
7. Step 7: Return the tofu to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through and the sauce slightly thickens.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.