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Lemon Garlic Stir-Fried Tofu

Emily Carter
A vegan stir-fry combining crispy tofu and a refreshing lemon-garlic sauce that’s tangy, savory, and packed with bright, fresh flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 295 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 200 g firm tofu pressed and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • ½ red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic minced

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water
  • Lemon zest for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Press tofu for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add tofu cubes and fry until golden and crisp, about 6 minutes.
  • Remove tofu and set aside.
  • In the same pan, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger; stir for 30 seconds.
  • Toss in broccoli and bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes.
  • In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, lemon juice, syrup, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
  • Pour sauce into the pan and cook until slightly thickened.
  • Add tofu back, toss gently, and coat evenly in the sauce.
  • Garnish with lemon zest and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 295
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 19 g

Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Vitamin C: 24%
  • Iron: 14%
  • Calcium: 10%
  • Vitamin A: 12%
  • Magnesium: 8%

Additional Notes / Tips

  • Always use fresh lemon juice — bottled just won’t flirt the same way.
  • Add chili flakes for a fiery kick.
  • Swap broccoli for asparagus or snap peas for variety.
  • Serve over quinoa, rice, or straight from the pan (zero judgment).
  • Leftovers? Lucky you — it tastes even better cold from the fridge.