Stir-Fried Tofu with Dried Chilies and Garlic
Crisp tofu cubes stir-fried with aromatic garlic and chili for a quick, flavorful vegetarian main. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp dried red chilies
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Press tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add tofu cubes and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
- Step 3: Add minced garlic and crushed 1 tbsp dried red chilies; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 cup water; toss to combine and cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add sliced green onions and stir for 1 more minute until heated through. Serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Dried Chilies and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Dried Chilies and Garlic?
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 Dried Chilies and Garlic?
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 Dried Chilies and Garlic 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 Dried Chilies and Garlic 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
