Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic, White Pepper, and Light Dusting of Chili Flakes
Crisp stir-fried tofu tossed with fresh garlic, white pepper, and finished with a delicate dusting of chili flakes for a mild spicy kick. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 22 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, white pepper, red chili flakes 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 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, drained and cubed into 1-inch pieces firm tofu
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks, sliced diagonally green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 14 oz firm tofu cubed into 1-inch pieces and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on most sides.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/2 tsp white pepper and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes evenly over the tofu, tossing to coat.
- Step 5: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce and continue stir-frying for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions diagonally, and serve immediately over steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic, White Pepper, and Light Dusting of Chili Flakes 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, White Pepper, and Light Dusting of Chili Flakes?
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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic, White Pepper, and Light Dusting of Chili Flakes?
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, White Pepper, and Light Dusting of Chili Flakes 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, White Pepper, and Light Dusting of Chili Flakes?
Asian vegan 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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