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

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

Golden stir-fried tofu cubes tossed in a savory soy-ginger garlic sauce, balanced with fresh scallions for a quick, flavorful vegetarian dish. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil 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 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss tofu cubes gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped scallions and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (if using) over the tofu before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Ginger in Soy-Ginger 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 Ginger in Soy-Ginger 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 Ginger in Soy-Ginger Sauce?

Asian vegan 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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