Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic-Soy Sauce

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

A colorful medley of crisp vegetables and firm tofu tossed in a savory garlic-soy sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. This Asian-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, broccoli florets, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and sauté for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pan, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 large julienned carrot, and 1 cup snap peas to the pan. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the pan and pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tsp sesame oil. Stir well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Add the 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic-Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic-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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic-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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic-Soy Sauce 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic-Soy Sauce 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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