Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Ginger and Baby Bok Choy
Crispy tofu cubes stir-fried with aromatic garlic, fresh ginger, and tender baby bok choy in a savory soy sauce glaze. This asian-inspired father’s day (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, minced fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 3 heads, halved lengthwise baby bok choy
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- 2, thinly sliced for garnish green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz extra firm tofu block to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then sauté 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 halved baby bok choy heads to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until leaves are wilted but stalks remain crisp.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and pour in 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu and bok choy.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Ginger and Baby Bok Choy take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Ginger and Baby Bok Choy?
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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Ginger and Baby Bok Choy?
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 Ginger and Baby Bok Choy 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 Ginger and Baby Bok Choy 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick and delicious! Kept the baby bok choy vibrant while the tofu soaked up all the flavors.
- ★★★★★
The garlic ginger sauce was spot-on. My family asked for seconds—perfect for a weeknight meal.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my dad on Father's Day, he couldn't stop eating it! The bok choy stayed perfectly crisp.