Stir-Fried Tofu with Spinach and Garlic in Light Soy Sauce

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

A quick and healthy stir-fry featuring firm tofu and fresh spinach sautéed in fragrant garlic and light soy sauce for a savory, low-fat meal. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegetarian, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs firm tofu (pressed and cubed), fresh spinach leaves, garlic cloves (minced) 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 low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and slightly crispy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 cups fresh spinach leaves and toss with tofu until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 2 tbsp light soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil over the mixture, stirring for another minute until spinach is tender and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and garnish with 2 tbsp sliced green onions before serving immediately with steamed rice or on its own.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Spinach and Garlic in Light Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Spinach and Garlic in Light Soy Sauce?

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 firm tofu (pressed and cubed) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Spinach and Garlic in Light Soy Sauce?

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 Spinach and Garlic in Light Soy Sauce 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 Spinach and Garlic in Light Soy Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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