Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Scallions in Soy-Ginger Sauce
Crisp tofu cubes stir-fried with aromatic garlic and scallions, finished with a savory soy-ginger glaze for a satisfying vegetarian dish. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 4 stalks, sliced into 1-inch pieces scallions
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 4 sliced scallions. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and scallions soften slightly.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the soy-ginger sauce into the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Step 5: Return the crispy tofu cubes to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the tofu and stir once more before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Scallions in Soy-Ginger Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Scallions in Soy-Ginger Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Scallions 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 Scallions in Soy-Ginger Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Soy-Ginger 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.