Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Bok Choy in Sesame Sauce
Tender cubes of tofu stir-fried with crisp bok choy and aromatic garlic, finished with a rich sesame soy sauce for a quick vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves, heads, halved lengthwise baby bok choy into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 3 heads, halved lengthwise baby bok choy
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 stalks, sliced thin green onions
- 1 tbsp, toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz pressed tofu cubes and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until bottoms are golden and crispy.
- Step 2: Flip tofu cubes and cook for another 3 minutes until all sides are crisp. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add 3 halved baby bok choy heads cut lengthwise, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until leaves are wilted but stalks remain crisp.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Step 6: Return tofu to skillet, pour the sauce over tofu and bok choy, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Bok Choy in Sesame Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Bok Choy in Sesame Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Bok Choy in Sesame 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 Garlic and Bok Choy in Sesame Sauce 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 Bok Choy in Sesame Sauce 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.
