Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes

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

A simple vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in fragrant garlic and spicy red chili flakes, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 22 minutes, pairs firm tofu, sesame oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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 Fusion cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut a 14 oz block of firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crispy. Flip the cubes and cook for another 4 minutes until all sides are crisp.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, stirring gently to coat tofu. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 chopped green onions on top before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes 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 Red Chili Flakes?

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 Red Chili Flakes?

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 Red Chili Flakes 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 Red Chili Flakes vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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