Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic Broccoli and Cashews

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

A protein-packed vegan stir fry featuring crispy tofu, tender broccoli florets, crunchy cashews, and a fiery garlic sauce. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs broccoli florets, cashews, unsalted, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 3 cups broccoli florets and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth. Pour the sauce into the skillet with broccoli and stir for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli.
  4. Step 4: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet along with 1/3 cup unsalted cashews and 2 sliced green onions. Toss everything gently to combine and heat through for 1 minute before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic Broccoli and Cashews 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 Spicy Garlic Broccoli and Cashews?

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 broccoli florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic Broccoli and Cashews?

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 Spicy Garlic Broccoli and Cashews 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 Spicy Garlic Broccoli and Cashews 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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