Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic-Sesame Sauce and Snow Peas
A vibrant plant-based stir-fry featuring crispy tofu tossed in a bold garlic-sesame sauce balanced by tender-crisp snow peas. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes blends trimmed snow peas, 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 320 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, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra-firm tofu
- 8 oz, trimmed snow peas
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2, thinly sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp, toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed tofu and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until bottoms are golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 3 minutes until all sides are browned. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz trimmed snow peas and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over. Toss gently to coat all ingredients and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the tofu and snow peas.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Garlic-Sesame Sauce and Snow Peas take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Sesame Sauce and Snow Peas?
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-Sesame Sauce and Snow Peas?
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-Sesame Sauce and Snow Peas 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-Sesame Sauce and Snow Peas 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.
