Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili in Sweet Soy Glaze
Golden cubes of tofu stir-fried with garlic and chili, coated in a sticky sweet soy glaze for a quick plant-based meal. This Asian-inspired vegan recipe (gluten free option), 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 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 sliced diagonally green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden on one side, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until all sides are crisp and golden. Remove tofu from pan and set aside.
- Step 2: Lower heat to medium and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Step 4: Return the golden tofu to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sweet soy glaze. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili in Sweet 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 Chili in Sweet 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 firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili in Sweet 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 Chili in Sweet 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 Chili in Sweet Soy Glaze vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
