Veggie Stir Fry with Tofu and Garlic

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

A quick, colorful vegetarian stir fry featuring crisp vegetables and tofu tossed in a garlicky soy sauce, perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, sesame oil, garlic cloves 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 large julienned carrot. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water into the skillet. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Veggie Stir Fry with Tofu and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Veggie Stir Fry with Tofu 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 extra firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Veggie Stir Fry with Tofu 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 Veggie Stir Fry with Tofu 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 Veggie Stir Fry with Tofu 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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