Stir-Fried Tofu with Popular Garlic-Soy Glaze
Firm tofu stir-fried in a savory garlic-soy glaze with crisp vegetables for a quick and popular vegetarian dish. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 2, sliced thin green onions
- 1 tsp mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry) cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups broccoli florets and 1 medium sliced red bell pepper (thin strips) and stir-fry for 4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 2 tsp sesame oil.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the soy sauce mixture over the tofu and vegetables. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 6: Add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 7: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions on top, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Popular 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 Popular 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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Popular 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 Popular Garlic-Soy Glaze 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 Popular Garlic-Soy Glaze 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.
