Stir-Fried Tofu with Lemongrass and Chili Garlic Sauce
Firm tofu cubes stir-fried with aromatic lemongrass and a spicy garlic chili sauce, creating a vibrant and satisfying vegetarian Vietnamese dish. This vietnamese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs finely chopped lemongrass stalk, minced garlic cloves, finely sliced red chili for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 1, finely chopped lemongrass stalk
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1, finely sliced red chili
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2, chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy on all sides, then remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 finely chopped lemongrass stalk, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 finely sliced red chili. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Step 3: Return tofu to the skillet. Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Toss everything together and cook for 2 more minutes until tofu is coated and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 chopped green onions and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for freshness. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or as a flavorful vegetarian main dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Lemongrass and Chili Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Lemongrass and Chili Garlic 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Lemongrass and Chili Garlic 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 Lemongrass and Chili Garlic 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 Lemongrass and Chili Garlic 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.
