Stir-Fried Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms and Garlic Soy Glaze
A savory vegetarian stir-fry featuring firm tofu and earthy shiitake mushrooms coated in a fragrant garlic soy glaze. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 1 oz, soaked and sliced dried shiitake mushrooms
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2, sliced for garnish green onions
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and pan-fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and slightly crispy.
- Step 2: Remove tofu and set aside. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 oz soaked and sliced dried shiitake mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes until tender and aromatic.
- Step 4: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tsp cornstarch in a bowl until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly over medium heat until it thickens and glazes the mushrooms, about 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Return the tofu to the skillet, drizzle 2 tsp sesame oil, and toss gently to coat everything in the garlic soy glaze. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms and 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 Shiitake Mushrooms and 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Shiitake Mushrooms and 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 Shiitake Mushrooms and 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 Shiitake Mushrooms and 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.
