Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Basil in Spicy Soy Glaze

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

Crisp tofu cubes stir-fried with fragrant garlic and fresh basil leaves, coated in a savory and spicy soy glaze perfect for a quick vegetarian meal. This Asian-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs extra-firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz pressed extra-firm tofu cubes and cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp.
  2. Step 2: Flip tofu cubes and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes until golden. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp brown sugar, cook for 1-2 minutes until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to skillet, toss gently to coat in the soy glaze. Add 1 cup fresh basil leaves and 2 sliced green onions, stir-frying for 1 minute until basil wilts and tofu is well coated. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Basil in Spicy Soy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Garlic and Basil in Spicy Soy Glaze?

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 Garlic and Basil in Spicy Soy Glaze?

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 Garlic and Basil in Spicy Soy Glaze 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 Garlic and Basil in Spicy Soy Glaze 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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