Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili in Structured Sauce

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

A vibrant stir-fry featuring firm tofu cubes tossed in a savory garlic-chili sauce, delivering a perfect balance of heat and umami in every bite. This chinese-inspired st. patrick’s day ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 400g firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tofu cubes and stir-fry for 6-7 minutes until all sides are golden and slightly crispy; remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 sliced fresh red chili, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 50 ml water in a small bowl, then pour this sauce into the wok.
  5. Step 5: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp cold water to make a slurry; add it to the wok and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Return the tofu to the wok and toss gently to coat evenly with the sauce.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 2 chopped spring onions over the dish, stir briefly, and remove from heat. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili in Structured 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 Structured 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 Structured 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 Structured 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili in Structured Sauce?

Chinese st. patrick’s day 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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