Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce and Baby Bok Choy
Firm tofu cubes stir-fried in a bold, spicy garlic sauce with crisp-tender baby bok choy, perfect for a flavorful vegetarian Asian meal. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes blends halved lengthwise baby bok choy, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 8 oz, halved lengthwise baby bok choy
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then sauté 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar in a small bowl.
- Step 4: Add halved 8 oz baby bok choy to the skillet and stir-fry for 2 minutes until just tender.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and pour in the sauce mixture. Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and add to the skillet.
- Step 6: Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats tofu and bok choy evenly. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce and Baby Bok Choy take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce and Baby Bok Choy?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce and Baby Bok Choy?
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 Sauce and Baby Bok Choy 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.
What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce and Baby Bok Choy?
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.