Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Soy Sauce and Baby Bok Choy

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Silky tofu cubes stir-fried in a savory garlic soy sauce paired with tender baby bok choy for a quick Asian-inspired vegetarian dish. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 22 minutes blends vegetable oil, minced fresh garlic cloves, heads, halved lengthwise baby bok choy into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden on the bottom. Flip tofu and cook for another 3 minutes until all sides are lightly browned and crisp.
  2. Step 2: Push tofu to one side of the skillet and add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add 2 halved baby bok choy heads and stir-fry for 2 minutes until the leaves start to wilt.
  3. Step 3: Stir together 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Pour sauce over tofu and bok choy, tossing to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and glazes the tofu.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Soy Sauce and Baby Bok Choy take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Soy Sauce and Baby Bok Choy?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Soy Sauce 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 Soy Sauce 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic Soy Sauce and Baby Bok Choy?

Asian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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