Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Ginger Soy Glaze

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

Firm tofu cubes stir-fried until crisp and coated with a savory garlic-ginger soy glaze for a satisfying vegetarian dish. This Asian-inspired comfort-food recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 22 minutes, pairs extra firm tofu, vegetable oil, 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain a 14 oz block of extra firm tofu, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring to allow the bottoms to crisp.
  3. Step 3: Carefully flip the tofu cubes and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until all sides are golden and crisp.
  4. Step 4: Push the tofu to one side of the pan. Add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 4 minced garlic cloves to the empty side and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir together 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar in a small bowl, then pour over the tofu and aromatics.
  6. Step 6: Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu cubes.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 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 extra firm tofu from drying out.

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