Stir-Fried Tofu with Cashews and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce

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

A quick stir-fry of crispy tofu, crunchy cashews, and vibrant broccoli tossed in a savory garlic sauce for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired instant pot (vegetarian, gluten free option) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, broccoli florets, raw cashews for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.0 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pan, add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the broccoli, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the pan, add 1/2 cup raw cashews, and toss everything to coat well in the garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Cashews and Broccoli in 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 Cashews and Broccoli in 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 Cashews and Broccoli 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 Cashews and Broccoli in 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 Cashews and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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