Stir-Fried Tofu with Regional Vegetable Medley and Garlic Sauce
Firm tofu stir-fried with a colorful mix of regional vegetables in a savory garlic sauce, perfect for a quick vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 1 large, julienned carrot
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips bell pepper
- 1 cup, trimmed snap peas
- 2 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz firm tofu cubes with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 large julienned carrot, 1 medium sliced bell pepper, and 1 cup snap peas to the pan. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Pour sauce over vegetables and stir to coat.
- Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet, gently toss with vegetables and sauce for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 7: Sprinkle 2 sliced green onions on top and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Regional Vegetable Medley and Garlic Sauce 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 Regional Vegetable Medley and 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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Regional Vegetable Medley and 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 Regional Vegetable Medley and Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Regional Vegetable Medley and Garlic Sauce?
Asian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.