Tofu Stir-fry with Dried Chilies and Garlic

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

Crisp-fried firm tofu simmered in a savory-sweet sauce with garlic, ginger, and the kick of dried chilies. This asian (vegetarian) ready in about 32 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, dried red chilies for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tofu cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok, then add 4 dried red chilies and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp minced ginger and 4 garlic cloves, minced, and stir-fry for 1 minute until aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the wok, then add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine, 1/4 cup vegetable broth, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu, then serve hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tofu Stir-fry with Dried Chilies and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Tofu Stir-fry with Dried Chilies and Garlic?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tofu Stir-fry with Dried Chilies and Garlic?

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 Tofu Stir-fry with Dried Chilies and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Tofu Stir-fry with Dried Chilies and Garlic vegetarian?

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

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