Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Soy in Sesame Oil
A quick and flavorful vegetarian stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in a savory garlic soy sauce, finished with toasted sesame oil. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, minced garlic cloves, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 300 g firm tofu
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1 tsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 300 g firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy.
- Step 3: Push tofu to the side and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to the wok. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce and sprinkle 1/4 tsp black pepper over tofu and aromatics. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil over the tofu. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Soy in Sesame Oil take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Soy in Sesame Oil?
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 Soy in Sesame Oil?
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 Soy in Sesame Oil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Soy in Sesame Oil 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.
