Stir-Fried Tofu with Shalala Garlic Sauce and Green Onions

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

Golden cubes of tofu stir-fried in a fragrant garlic sauce accented with lively green onions, delivering a vibrant, satisfying vegetarian dish. This Asian-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs extra-firm tofu, 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 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 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed extra-firm tofu cubes in 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add tofu cubes to the skillet in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp. Flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until all sides are golden. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the garlic sauce. Stir in 4 sliced green onions and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Cook for another minute until the green onions soften and the tofu is heated through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Shalala Garlic Sauce and Green Onions 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 Shalala Garlic Sauce and Green Onions?

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 Shalala Garlic Sauce and Green Onions?

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 Shalala Garlic Sauce and Green Onions 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 Shalala Garlic Sauce and Green Onions 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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