Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic-Soy Sauce
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 (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends drained and cubed firm tofu, broccoli florets, large, julienned carrot 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 250 calories and feeds 4, 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, drained and cubed firm tofu
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium, sliced into strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, julienned carrot
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp dissolved in 2 tbsp water cornstarch
- 2, sliced for garnish green onions
- 1 tsp, toasted for garnish sesame seeds
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4: Return tofu to the pan and pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tsp sesame oil. Stir well to combine.
- 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.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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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). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Garlic-Soy 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 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.