Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Spinach
A quick and nutritious stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes and vibrant garlic spinach leaves, seasoned simply to highlight fresh flavors. This asian-inspired game day (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs firm tofu, spinach leaves, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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
- 5 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy.
- Step 2: Push tofu to the side of the skillet and add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 5 cups fresh spinach leaves, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted and coated evenly with sauce.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Spinach 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 Spinach?
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 Spinach?
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 Spinach 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 Spinach vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple, quick, and packed with flavor. My kids even asked for seconds on the spinach!
- ★★★★★
The garlic hit just right and the tofu stayed perfectly crispy. Made it for my game day gathering and it was a hit!
- ★★★★★
This recipe saved my game night! So much better than takeout and way healthier.
Related recipes
Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlicky Soy Glaze and Snow Peas
Stir-Fried Soba Noodles with Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms
Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger-Sesame and Baby Bok Choy
Stir-Fried Tofu with Crispy Garlic and Chili Soy Glaze
Gluten-Free Stir Fry with Mixed Vegetables and Tofu
Stir-Fried Tofu with Mixed Vegetables and Soy-Ginger Glaze