Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Scallion Noodles

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

Crisp tofu and vibrant vegetables tossed in a savory-sweet sauce, served over springy rice noodles for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This chinese-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, rice noodles, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 15 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add tofu, and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Cook 8 oz rice noodles according to package directions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water. While noodles cook, slice 4 garlic cloves thinly and chop 4 scallions (white and green parts separated).
  3. Step 3: Whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp sugar in a bowl. Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in the skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup sliced carrots, stir-frying for 3 minutes until tender. Add 2 cups chopped bok choy and stir-fry for 2 more minutes until wilted. Toss in cooked noodles, sauce, and tofu, then stir-fry for 2 minutes until coated. Garnish with reserved scallion greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Scallion Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Scallion Noodles?

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 Scallion Noodles?

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 Scallion Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Scallion Noodles 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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