Stir-Fried Tofu with White Pepper and Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-13 · Updated 2026-05-13

A vibrant stir-fry featuring firm tofu coated in a savory garlic and white pepper sauce, garnished with scallions for a peppery kick. This Chinese-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 3 stalks, sliced scallions
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Woks that get real sear at home → Best Woks for 2026: Carbon Steel, Nonstick & Flat-Bottom Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz firm tofu cubes with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated to help create a crispy exterior.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides.
3. Step 3: Remove tofu from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 5 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp white pepper, and 1/4 cup water; bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
5. Step 5: Return tofu to skillet, toss gently to coat in sauce, then drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil and sprinkle 3 sliced scallions over the top before serving.