Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Broccoli
A vibrant vegetarian stir-fry featuring crisp broccoli florets and golden tofu cubes tossed in a fragrant garlic-chili sauce. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs broccoli florets, vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2, sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until edges are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet and sauté 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 4 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet and stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through and sauce coats the ingredients.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Broccoli 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 Chili Broccoli?
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 broccoli florets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Broccoli?
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 Chili Broccoli 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.
What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili Broccoli?
Asian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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