Stir-Fried Tofu with Miso and Garlic Scallion Sauce

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

Pan-fried tofu cubes tossed in a savory miso and garlic scallion sauce for a satisfying vegetarian stir-fry with umami depth. This japanese-inspired comfort food (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, sesame oil, garlic 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Japanese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 14 oz pressed tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy along the edges.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 3 tbsp water, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (if using) until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Push tofu to one side of the skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 4 thinly sliced scallions to the empty side, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Pour miso sauce over tofu and scallions, stir gently to coat everything evenly, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the tofu.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Miso and Garlic Scallion Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Miso and Garlic Scallion 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 extra firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Miso and Garlic Scallion 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 Miso and Garlic Scallion 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 Miso and Garlic Scallion 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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