Stir-Fried Tofu with Napa Cabbage and Shiitake Mushrooms

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

A comforting vegan stir-fry combining tender tofu, crisp napa cabbage, and earthy shiitake mushrooms in a savory garlic sauce. This chinese-inspired game day (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, napa cabbage, fresh shiitake mushrooms 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 4 minced garlic cloves plus 1 tbsp minced ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Then stir in 3 cups chopped napa cabbage and cook for 4 minutes until wilted but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet. Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir well.
  5. Step 5: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Napa Cabbage and Shiitake Mushrooms 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 Napa Cabbage and Shiitake Mushrooms?

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 Napa Cabbage and Shiitake Mushrooms?

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 Napa Cabbage and Shiitake Mushrooms 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 Napa Cabbage and Shiitake Mushrooms 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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