Easy Stir Fry Tofu

Name: Easy Stir Fry Tofu
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces firm tofu; 2 tsp corn starch; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground pepper; 2 tbsp soy sauce; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground pepper; 1 tsp five spice powder; ¼ cup water; 2 tsp corn starch; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 4-5 cloves garlic ((minced)); ½ medium onion ((sliced thin)); 2-3 stalks scallions

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Asian style Stir Fry Tofu; this one is a perfect 30 minute recipe with a handful of ingredients.

Protein rich, super flavorful and naturally vegan; enjoy this as an appetizer or over steamed rice.

Stir fried tofu topped with scallions served with steamed broccoli and slaw in a plate.

Tofu is an ingredient that is popular on our dinner table. Protein rich, tofu is super versatile. It can be shredded, chopped into cubes, sliced or cooked as a whole block. And there are several forms of tofu available; fried pods, sheets, frozen, form or silken to name a few.

Tofu tastes great when stir fried, fried, air fried or steamed. Thus, it can take any form we desire.

From Sofritas and Tofu tikka to Garlic tofu and baked tofu bowl and Vegan poke bowl; we love them all.

I like to pan fry tofu and season it with different spices and sauces each time. That way it is like a new dish each time. After several combinations; I have this recipe that is easy, quick and yet full of flavor.

And after the numerous recipes I have made using tofu, I really have really learnt how to make tofu flavorful, delicious and perfect each time.

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Asian style stir fries
What is Stir Fry Tofu
Why this recipe works
Ingredients and Substitutions
How to make this recipe
Expert Tips and Notes
Serving
Recipe FAQs
More Tofu Recipes
Easy Stir Fry Tofu

Asian style stir fries

Stir-fries are one of the most popular ways to cook Asian food. Whether they are greens, vegetables or proteins, this method works really well. Given how easy, quick and nutritious they are, it is no surprise that they are popular.

Like this Vegetable stir fry or this stir fried asparagus; most recipes are fairly simple to put together.

The method simply involves prepping the ingredients, adding them to a hot pan with oil and sautéing quickly before serving. The sauce component is completely optional.

What is Stir Fry Tofu

One of the best ways to make tofu is definitely to stir fry it. Easy, one pan recipe that crisps up tofu perfectly while still keeping it soft within.

And once you learn how to make the perfect stir fried tofu, the options of sauces are unlimited.

More often than not it is really amazing to simply use a couple of sauces and spices to make tofu. It gives the tofu one flavor profile and that shines through. Plus, the sauces can simply be added to the stir fried tofu or they can be cooked and thickened as in this recipe. Either way, the end result will be delicious.

Why this recipe works

It is naturally Vegan.
This recipe is perfect as an appetizer or as a side with steamed rice or noodles.
We need only a handful of ingredients to make this.
It is totally affordable with only a handful of ingredients.
The recipe comes together in about 20 minutes.
We can easily add vegetables to make the dish more filling.
This Asian inspired recipe is great to make at home and skip take out.
Delicious while being super high in protein.
It is easy to make gluten-free with paneer and one simple substitution.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Ingredients for easy stir fry tofu recipe.

Tofu: Extra firm tofu or firm tofu works best. Softer version of tofu will crumble as we stir-fry them. However, paneer or temper works well too.
Aromatics: I like to simply use onions and garlic in the recipe. However, ginger, green chile and some peppers work as well. Add what you like best.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is the only sauce I use here. Chili sauce can be added, however, I like to keep it mild with just soy sauce. However, the recipe is pretty flavorful.
Corn Starch: This is what we use to coat and thicken the sauce. It works perfectly and so does tapioca starch or even corn flour.
Oil: Like most Asian recipes; sesame oil works best. However, any neutral oil will work for the recipe.
Spices: Minimally spiced, I add some salt, cracked pepper and five spice powder for the recipe. Add Sichuan peppers if you like.

See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

How to make this recipe

1- Press 12 ounces firm tofu between sheets of kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.

2- Once the water is drained, cut the tofu into pieces. Triangles, cubes or rectangles work. Place the pieces in a bowl and sprinkle 2 teaspoon corn starch on them.

Collage steps for stir fry tofu; cutting and prepping the tofu pieces.

3- Mix well and coat the pieces well.

4- In a pan heat 2 tablespoon sesame oil.

Collage steps for stir fry tofu; coat the tofu and prepping the hot oil.

5- Place the tofu pieces and let them crisp up.

6- Turn them over and crisp on the other side.

Collage steps for stir fry tofu; sautéing the tofu and crisping it up.

7- Crisp them on all sides and sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper powder on them. Mix well and set aside.

8- In a bowl add the sauce ingredients and corn starch. Mix well.

2 tbsp soy sauce
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 tsp five spice powder
¼ cup water
2 tsp corn starch

Collage steps for stir fry tofu; seasoning the tofu and prepping to stir fry the tofu.

9- Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in the pan.

10- Add 4-5 cloves minced garlic and ½ medium onion(sliced). Sauté till the raw flavor vanishes.

Collage steps for stir fry tofu; stir frying onions and garlic in sesame oil.

11- Once they are cooked, add the crisp tofu pieces.

12- Mix well and add the sauce mix. Stir to coat all the tofu pieces.

Collage steps for stir fry tofu; adding back tofu and the sauce ingredients.

13- Cook till the sauce is almost dry.

14- Then turn down the flame. Add 2-3 stalks chopped scallions and mix well. Serve with steamed rice, kimchi, steamed broccoli and slaw.

Collage steps for stir fry tofu; coating the tofu with sauce and serving it.

Expert Tips and Notes

Picking the right tofu: Pick firm or extra firm tofu for the recipe. However, baked tofu is great too. However, softer tofu will disintegrate when we sauté it.
Preparing the tofu: Press firm or extra firm tofu between paper towels to remove all the extra moisture. Press a heavy weight on it so all the water drains out. Then cut it into equal size pieces. Smaller pieces become crisp through while larger ones crisp from the top but remain soft inside.
Sauces: I like to just add some soy sauce to the tofu. While vinegar, vegetarian stir-fry sauce, schezwan or even chili sauce is great. However, I like to keep it simple.
Vegetables: Adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower is a great idea. Moreover, adding chopped carrots, beans, snap peas or bok choy works really well.
Making it saucy: I like to make a slightly dry version of stir fried tofu. However, add more water or vegetable stock to make it saucy. Adjust the salt as required.
Gluten-free version: Soy has gluten. So we need to replace tofu with paneer and soy sauce with a gluten-free soy version or tamari for the recipe.
Making it without corn starch: If you do not have corn starch, simply add arrowroot powder, tapioca starch or even all purpose flour in the recipe.

Serving

As we use corn starch for the recipe, it is best to enjoy it immediately.

However, it can also be served later too. To do so, either make the entire recipe and store in the refrigerator till ready to eat. Then simply heat in a pan with some extra water. that way the sauce comes back to its perfect consistency.

Else, mix the sauce ingredients and sauté the tofu till crisp. Then store both in airtight container till ready top serve. Cook it with garlic and onion and enjoy with steamed rice.

This recipe works well as an appetizer or to enjoy it with some steamed jasmine rice or vegetarian Teriyaki noodles.

A bowl with stir fry tofu, steamed rice, kimchi, broccoli and slaw.

Recipe FAQs

How can I avoid tofu pieces from sticking to each other?

The tofu pieces stick to each other if they are crowded in the pan. Use a larger pan making sure they do not stick. Moreover, do not flip them before the bottom of the tofu is cooked. Flipping it sooner will result in some of the tofu sticking to the pan.

Do we really need to press out the water from tofu?

Yes this step is strongly recommended. Not removing excess water from the tofu will result in non crisp tofu. This is because the water will steam the tofu rather than turn it crisp. Use a tofu press to remove the water if you have one.

Can I add vegetables to the stir fried tofu?

Certainly. Simply stir fry vegetables and add them to the tofu. Cabbage, broccoli, mushrooms, carrots and peppers work really well.

What can I use instead of corn starch?

Use some potato starch, arrow root or all purpose flour for the recipe instead of corn starch.

Can I air fry tofu?

Certainly. Simply coat the tofu with corn starch and brush with some oil. Then sir fry the tofu pieces at 350 F for 12-13 minutes; flipping once mid way.