Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili in Soy Sauce

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

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with aromatic garlic and a spicy chili soy glaze for a quick and flavorful plant-based dish. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs 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.

★ 4.6 (9 ratings) 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: Drain 14 oz firm tofu and pat dry with paper towels; cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tofu cubes and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until the bottoms turn golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the tofu cubes and cook an additional 4 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes to the pan, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce and 1 tsp brown sugar, tossing tofu to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp sesame seeds on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili in Soy Sauce 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 in Soy Sauce?

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 Garlic and Chili in Soy 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 Chili in Soy 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 Chili in Soy Sauce 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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