Street-Style Oversized Tofu Stir Fry with Bold Garlic Sauce
Chunky tofu stir fry with oversized vegetable cuts and a bold garlic soy sauce, inspired by urban streetwear culture’s boldness. This asian fusion-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes blends extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed, medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch chunks, large carrot, sliced thickly 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 extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 large carrot, sliced thickly
- 3 stalks green onions, chopped
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy.
- Step 2: Remove tofu from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium red bell pepper (1-inch pieces), 1 medium zucchini (1-inch chunks), and 1 large carrot (thick slices). Stir fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp water, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Step 6: Stir in 3 chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Street-Style Oversized Tofu Stir Fry with Bold Garlic Sauce 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 Street-Style Oversized Tofu Stir Fry with Bold Garlic Sauce?
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 Street-Style Oversized Tofu Stir Fry with Bold Garlic 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 Street-Style Oversized Tofu Stir Fry with Bold Garlic 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 Street-Style Oversized Tofu Stir Fry with Bold Garlic Sauce 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.
