Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger and Scallions in Soy Sauce

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

A vibrant stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in a fragrant ginger and scallion soy sauce glaze for a savory vegetarian delight. This chinese-inspired st. patrick’s day (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, ginger, scallions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch for a light coating.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp finely grated ginger, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp water to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly for about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet along with 3 stalks thinly sliced scallions. Toss everything together for 1 minute until tofu is well coated and scallions are slightly softened but still vibrant.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger and Scallions in Soy Sauce 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 Ginger and Scallions in Soy Sauce?

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 Ginger and Scallions in Soy Sauce?

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 Ginger and Scallions in Soy Sauce 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 Ginger and Scallions in Soy Sauce 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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