Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili-Garlic and Sesame Greens

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

A vibrant, quick stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in a spicy chili-garlic sauce and tender sesame-flavored greens. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 27 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz extra firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry tofu cubes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil and sauté 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 8 oz chopped baby bok choy and 3 chopped green onions; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted but still bright.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1/4 cup water, stirring gently to coat everything and simmer for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili-Garlic and Sesame Greens 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 Chili-Garlic and Sesame Greens?

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 Chili-Garlic and Sesame Greens?

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 Chili-Garlic and Sesame Greens for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Chili-Garlic and Sesame Greens 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.

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