Looking for easy vegan dinner recipes that are both satisfying and flavorful? This Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal on the table fast. Inspired by popular garlic chicken recipes, this plant-based alternative delivers all the savory satisfaction without any animal products. The firm tofu is cubed and crisped to perfection, much like traditional cubed chicken recipes, then tossed with a garlic-infused sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, this recipe proves that vegan cooking can be simple, accessible, and incredibly delicious.
Garlic Tofu: A Vegan Alternative to Garlic Chicken
If you’ve enjoyed garlic chicken recipes in the past but are looking for plant-based alternatives, this garlic tofu stir-fry delivers all the aromatic flavors and satisfying textures you crave. By properly preparing the tofu and creating a savory garlic sauce, you’ll create a dish that can stand alongside any chopped chicken recipe in terms of taste and satisfaction.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Tofu:
- 1 block (14-16 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Equipment Needed
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tofu press (or stack of heavy books with paper towels)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small whisk for sauce
Instructions
Step 1
Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your stir-fry. Wrap the tofu block in several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, then place it on a plate. Set a heavy object on top—such as a cast iron skillet, heavy cookbook, or canned goods—and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This process will help the tofu absorb flavors better and develop a firmer texture when cooked.
Once the tofu has been properly pressed, cut it into 1-inch cubes using a sharp knife. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the stir-fry.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cubed tofu with:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Gently toss the tofu cubes with the dry ingredients until each piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch will create a crispy exterior when pan-fried, while the nutritional yeast adds a subtle nutty, cheese-like flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.
Step 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, carefully add the coated tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side without moving them, allowing each surface to develop a golden brown, crispy exterior. Use tongs or a spatula to gently turn the cubes, cooking all sides until evenly browned.
Once the tofu is crispy on all sides, remove it from the pan and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. The tofu should have a satisfying crunch while remaining tender inside.
Step 3
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add the white parts of green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the hot oil. Sauté for 30 seconds until the mixture becomes fragrant and aromatic.
Important tip: Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, which would create a bitter taste that could overpower your dish. The aromatics should sizzle gently and release their flavors without browning too much.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot to the pan with the golden tofu. Stir-fry the mixture for 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently to ensure even cooking. The vegetables should begin to soften while still retaining a satisfying crunch – this texture contrast is key to a perfect stir-fry. Keep the heat at medium-high and continue stirring to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the pan.
Step 5
Add the snow peas to the pan and continue stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green and become tender-crisp. While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce by whisking together the following ingredients in a small bowl:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable broth
Tip: Having the sauce ready before you need it ensures smooth cooking flow and prevents overcooking the vegetables.
Step 6
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the vegetables, ensuring it coats everything evenly. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken and develop a glossy appearance. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready – this creates the perfect consistency to cling to both the tofu and vegetables without being too thick or watery.
Step 7
Return the crispy tofu to the pan and gently toss everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure to coat each piece of tofu thoroughly with the flavorful sauce. Continue cooking for another minute to heat the tofu through completely and allow it to absorb the garlic and soy flavors. Be careful not to break apart the crispy exterior while mixing – use gentle folding motions rather than aggressive stirring to maintain the tofu’s texture.
Step 8
Remove from heat and add the finishing touches. Turn off the burner and immediately sprinkle the green parts of the scallions over the hot tofu mixture, allowing them to wilt slightly from the residual heat. Add a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro for color and fresh flavor contrast.
Serve immediately while the stir-fry is still steaming hot. Plate over fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles, and garnish each serving with lime wedges on the side. The lime juice adds a bright, acidic note that perfectly balances the savory garlic and umami flavors of the dish.
Cubed Tofu Technique: The Key to Perfect Texture
Many cubed chicken recipes rely on getting a good sear on the meat, and the same principle applies to tofu. The secret to creating tofu cubes that have a meaty texture rather than a soft, soggy consistency is proper preparation.
Start by pressing your tofu to remove excess moisture – this step is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior that makes this recipe so satisfying. After pressing, cutting the tofu into even cubes ensures they’ll cook uniformly, just like in chopped chicken recipes. The light cornstarch coating creates a deliciously crispy exterior that holds up when tossed with the garlic sauce.
This technique transforms plain tofu into a protein-packed centerpiece that even non-vegans will enjoy. The nutritional yeast adds a subtle umami flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
