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Acadia's Tofu Stir Fry

I actually had never tried cooking tofu before, so I decided to marinate it first before cooking. It was a quick tasty meal the next night after work. Serve with rice, noodles or plain. Enjoy.

4.5 · 2 reviewsRecipe card by AcadiaTwoEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 15, 2026
BeansVegetableVeganStir FryEasy
Acadia's Tofu Stir Fry

Total time

735 min

Servings

4

Calories

165

Category

Soy/Tofu

Acadia's Tofu Stir Fry is a deeply flavorful, protein-packed dish defined by an overnight teriyaki and garlic infusion. This recipe is perfect for home cooks who appreciate deep umami profiles and want a reliable, soy-forward centerpiece for their weeknight vegan meals.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

  • 1 1/2 tofu
  • 8 garlic cloves

Method

  1. Slice the tofu up into 1/4" thick slices and then cut them again into 1"x2" pieces.

  2. Mix teriyaki & garlic together. (Reserve and refrigerate 1/2 cup teriyaki and 1 minced garlic clove in separate container).

  3. Marinate them in teriyaki and garlic for 12-hours in the refrigerator.

  4. In wok on medium heat add peanut oil.

  5. Cook up the the tofu for about 2-3 minutes, flip and cook them for another 2-3 minutes.

  6. Remove tofu and set aside.

  7. Add vegetables to wok and stir fry until tender about 3 minutes.

  8. Add Tofu and (reserved marinade) back to the wok, cook for 2 minutes more, stir throughly coating everything.

  9. Enjoy.

Cook's notes

  • Use extra-firm tofu and press it for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure the marinade penetrates the dense interior.
  • When pan-frying in the wok, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the tofu pieces develop a crispy, golden-brown crust rather than steaming.
  • Whisk your reserved 1/2 cup of teriyaki-garlic mixture with a teaspoon of cornstarch before heating to create a thick, glossy glaze to drizzle over the finished dish.
  • Ensure your peanut oil is shimmering but not smoking before adding the tofu to achieve the optimal sear without burning the garlic bits.

Easy swaps

  • Instead of Peanut oil, use Toasted sesame oilUse for a more intense, nutty aromatic profile that complements the salty teriyaki.
  • Instead of Teriyaki sauce, use Tamari and maple syrup blendUse this ratio to control the sweetness and ensure a gluten-free stir fry base.
  • Instead of Extra-firm tofu, use TempehSubstitute for a firmer texture and earthy, fermented flavor that holds up well to long marination.
  • Instead of 8 garlic cloves, use ShallotsUse if you prefer a milder, sweeter onion base instead of the sharp punch of raw garlic.

Frequently asked

Why does the recipe require a 12-hour marinade time?

The 12-hour window allows the tofu's cellular structure to fully absorb the savory teriyaki and pungent garlic notes, transforming it from bland to bold.

Can I use a different oil if I have a peanut allergy?

Yes, grapeseed or refined coconut oil are excellent high-heat alternatives that provide a neutral canvas for the marinated flavors.

What is the best way to slice tofu for this recipe?

Slice the block into 1/4" slabs first, then cut into 1"x2" rectangles to ensure uniform browning during the 2-3 minute sear on each side.

Is it necessary to use the reserved sauce?

The reserved portion ensures your stir fry isn't dry; adding it during the final minute of cooking provides a fresh, bright garlic finish that gets lost during the long marination.

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