Stir-Fried Tofu with Cashew and Chili Garlic Sauce

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

Firm tofu stir-fried with crunchy cashews and a spicy, garlicky chili sauce for a satisfying plant-based meal. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs firm tofu, cashew nuts, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 12 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup raw cashew nuts and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped fresh red chili; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 2 tsp brown sugar. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Return toasted cashews to the wok, drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the dish, and toss gently.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions and serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Cashew and Chili Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Cashew 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Cashew 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 Cashew 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Cashew and Chili Garlic Sauce?

Asian Fusion vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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