Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Sesame in Soy Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and flavorful vegetarian stir-fry featuring crisp tofu cubes tossed in a savory garlic-soy glaze with toasted sesame seeds. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil 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: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and sauté for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp sesame oil to the pan, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and sprinkle 1/4 tsp black pepper, tossing tofu to evenly coat; cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Sesame in 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 Sesame in 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 Sesame in 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 Sesame in 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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