Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Ginger in Soy-Ginger Glaze

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

A savory and aromatic vegan stir-fry featuring firm tofu cubes tossed with fresh garlic and ginger in a glossy soy-ginger sauce. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten-free option) ready in about 40 minutes pairs firm tofu, garlic cloves, fresh ginger 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: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Mince 4 garlic cloves and grate 1 tbsp fresh ginger.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and sauté for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and slightly crispy.
  4. Step 4: Push tofu to the side and add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp brown sugar in a small bowl, then pour into the skillet. Toss tofu gently to coat and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the tofu.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle 2 tbsp sesame oil over the tofu, stir in chopped 2 green onions, and sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Ginger in Soy-Ginger Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Ginger in Soy-Ginger 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 Ginger in Soy-Ginger 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 Ginger in Soy-Ginger 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 Ginger in Soy-Ginger 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.