Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili over Jasmine Rice

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

A vibrant, quick stir-fry of firm tofu with garlic and fresh chili peppers, served atop fragrant jasmine rice for a satisfying Asian-inspired vegetarian dish. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, thinly sliced fresh red chili peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 20 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear, then combine with 1 1/2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes to the skillet and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until the bottoms are golden and slightly crispy. Flip tofu cubes and cook an additional 3 minutes until all sides are golden.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced fresh red chili peppers to the skillet, stirring continuously for 1 minute until fragrant but garlic is not browned.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil, tossing tofu gently until evenly coated and the sauce slightly thickens, about 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions. Serve hot over the cooked jasmine rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili over Jasmine Rice take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 over Jasmine Rice?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Chili over Jasmine Rice?

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 over Jasmine Rice 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 over Jasmine Rice 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.

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