Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger-Garlic Soy Glaze
Pan-fried tofu cubes glazed in a savory ginger-garlic soy sauce, served with crisp vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian stir-fry. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, canola oil, finely grated 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 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp canola oil
- 1 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 medium, julienned red bell pepper
- 1 cup, trimmed snap peas
- 2, thinly sliced scallions
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed extra firm tofu cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully until golden and crisp on all sides; transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp sesame oil; cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add 1 medium julienned red bell pepper and 1 cup snap peas; stir-fry for 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce and vegetables; heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger-Garlic Soy Glaze 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-Garlic Soy Glaze?
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 cornstarch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger-Garlic Soy Glaze?
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-Garlic Soy Glaze 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.
What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Ginger-Garlic Soy Glaze?
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.
Equipment for this recipe
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