Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Scallions in Savory Soy Sauce

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

A quick and flavorful vegetarian stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes sautéed with garlic and scallions, finished in a rich soy-based sauce. This Chinese-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic cloves 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: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  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 sauté for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and slightly crispy.
  3. Step 3: Push tofu to one side of the skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 3 chopped scallion stalks to the empty side. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the scallions are slightly softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tsp cornstarch (optional). Pour this sauce over the tofu and aromatics. Stir gently and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil and sprinkle 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper over the dish. Toss gently to combine. Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Scallions in Savory Soy 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Scallions in Savory Soy 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 Scallions in Savory Soy 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.

Is Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Scallions in Savory Soy Sauce 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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