Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Sesame in Soy Sauce

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

Crisp-edged tofu cubes stir-fried with aromatic garlic and finished in a savory soy-sesame sauce for a flavorful vegetarian main. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 22 minutes pairs firm tofu, garlic cloves, soy sauce 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) 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 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp.
  2. Step 2: Flip tofu cubes carefully and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until all sides are golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp sesame oil to the skillet. Stir fry for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and toss the tofu gently to coat evenly, cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Sesame in Soy Sauce 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 Sesame in 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 Sesame in 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 Sesame in 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 Sesame in Soy Sauce 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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