Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame and Chili Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy tofu cubes stir-fried with a savory sesame and chili garlic sauce for a flavorful vegan dish. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs drained and cubed firm tofu, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp minced ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1/2 tsp chili flakes, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute until sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame and Chili Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Sesame and Chili 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 drained and cubed firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Sesame and Chili 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 Sesame and Chili 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 Sesame and Chili Garlic Sauce vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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