Stir-Fried Tofu with No-Oil Garlic Sauce
A light and flavorful stir-fry featuring crispy tofu tossed in a fragrant garlic sauce made without any added oil for a healthy twist. This Asian-inspired vegan recipe (gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs extra-firm tofu, low-sodium soy sauce, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 block extra-firm tofu
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 stalks scallions, sliced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning gently until all sides develop a light golden crust.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to the pan. Stir continuously for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce and 1/4 cup water, stirring to coat the tofu. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces and thickens.
- Step 5: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and sprinkle 2 sliced scallions over the top before serving immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with No-Oil 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 No-Oil 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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with No-Oil 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 No-Oil 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 No-Oil Garlic Sauce vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
