Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, quick, and truly satisfying meal, this Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry is my absolute go-to. It’s a weeknight hero loaded with savory, tangy, and mildly spicy notes with a delightful medley of tender cabbage and golden tofu crumbles. The sauce seeps into every bite and those pops of scallion and ginger bring it all to life. Whether you’re a tofu devotee or new to veggie-forward cooking, this stir fry is easy to love and even easier to personalize. With just thirty minutes, you’re serving up a dish that’s as nourishing as it is full of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s run through what you’ll need. Each ingredient here plays a key role, whether providing umami depth, gentle heat, bright freshness, or that perfect chewy-crisp texture. Simple pantry staples come together in completely delicious harmony!

• Light Soy Sauce: Provides that classic salty, umami kick essential for seasoning your Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Adds extra color and a touch more savory flavor; you can use more regular soy sauce if you don’t have dark on hand.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Brightens up the richness and balances the flavors beautifully.
• Maple Syrup or Sugar: Just a little sweetness to round out the sharp and salty edges.
• Sesame Oil: Infuses the dish with a gorgeous nutty aroma—don’t skip it!
• Vegetable Bouillon Paste/Cube: Adds instant depth and makes sure the veggies taste even more savory.
• Avocado Oil: A high-heat oil that keeps everything from sticking; you can also use another neutral oil if preferred.
• Scallions: Sliced and separated; the whites develop sweetness while the greens offer color and freshness.
• Red Chili Pepper (optional): Want a little kick? Sliced chili brings mild heat and a splash of color.
• Garlic: Crushed or grated, this is your flavor backbone—garlic lovers, don’t hold back!
• Ginger: For brightness and a gentle zesty bite, fresh ginger makes all the difference here.
• Super Firm or Extra Firm Tofu: The star protein—crumble it up for perfect texture that soaks up all the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and a touch of color.
• Ground Coriander: Adds a gentle earthiness and fragrant warmth to every bite.
• Green Cabbage: Shredded finely, it becomes perfectly tender in just a few minutes, adding crunch and volume.

How to Make Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry

Step 1: Whisk Up the Sauce

Begin by mixing together the sauce ingredients: light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup or sugar, sesame oil, and bouillon. This little bowl will carry most of the flavor for your Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry, so give it a quick whisk until everything’s well combined and set it aside. Trust me, this step takes almost no time and makes the rest of the process effortless!

Step 2: Prep the Aromatics

Fire up your biggest skillet or a wok on medium heat and add avocado oil. Toss in the white parts of your sliced scallions and, if you’re going for heat, red chili. Sauté for a minute or two until the scallions turn tender and aromatic. Then, add your garlic and ginger; give them another quick sauté until they turn wonderfully fragrant (about a minute). The aroma will have you instantly ready for dinner!

Step 3: Crumble the Tofu & Add Spices

Grab your block of super firm tofu and crumble it straight into the pan. Sprinkle in smoked paprika and coriander, which will coat the tofu in a gorgeous reddish hue and introduce a smoky-sweet background note. If your pan seems dry, don’t hesitate to splash in a little more oil. Sauté the tofu so it soaks up all those spices, letting it cook for about three to five minutes to develop those irresistible golden edges.

Step 4: Wilt the Cabbage

Once your tofu is sizzling and fragrant, tumble in the shredded cabbage. Stir fry everything together for about four minutes until the cabbage begins to soften but still has plenty of bite. It’s amazing how much cabbage shrinks down, so don’t be afraid if the pan looks full at first—it’ll cook down to the perfect consistency!

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Pour your prepped sauce over the tofu-cabbage mixture and toss everything together thoroughly. Let the sauce bubble and soak into every little nook for another couple of minutes, mixing occasionally, until all the components are glistening and the flavors are balanced. Now your Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry is ready for the table!

How to Serve Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry

Garnishes

For that finishing touch, scatter over the reserved scallion greens or another sprinkle of fresh chili. A few toasted sesame seeds, a squeeze of fresh lime, or even a tiny swirl of chili oil can take your Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry from delicious to show-stopping.

Side Dishes

Pair this stir fry with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy brown rice, or slurpable noodles to catch every drop of sauce. You can also keep things low-carb by serving it alongside cauliflower rice, or enjoy it tucked inside a big lettuce cup for added crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, pile your Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry into a wrap or tortilla for a satisfying handheld meal. Spoon it over a chilled salad for a vibrant lunch, or tuck it into bento boxes, ready to grab-and-go for weekday lunches. This is one dish that’s wide open to playing with presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers keep beautifully! Transfer your Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making reheated portions just as enjoyable.

Freezing

You can freeze portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Just keep in mind that the cabbage will soften a bit more once thawed, but the flavors hold up nicely. Label your containers so you’ll always have a quick plant-based option on hand.

Reheating

Simply reheat your Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until heated through. If it looks a little dry, you can add a splash of water or soy sauce to revive it. The microwave works too for quick lunches—just stir halfway to ensure even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use regular firm tofu instead of super firm?

Absolutely! If you use firm tofu, just press it well to remove as much moisture as you can. This way, it crisps up and better absorbs flavors during the cooking process.

Is Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry gluten-free?

Traditionally, soy sauce contains gluten. To keep this stir fry gluten-free, swap in tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce for exactly the same fantastic results.

What vegetables can I substitute for cabbage?

Shredded napa, bok choy, or even kale work beautifully in place of green cabbage. Go wild with thinly sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and crunch in your Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat depends on the chili pepper you choose. If you prefer things mild, simply leave the chili out—your Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry will still be full of flavor.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes! This stir fry packs perfectly into individual containers, making it a reliable meal prep champ. Enjoy it hot or cold throughout the week for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Final Thoughts

Whatever your cooking skill or schedule looks like, this Tofu Cabbage Stir Fry is a fresh and flavorful addition to your repertoire. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s so easy to come back to—crunchy, savory, and brimming with goodness. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share your version with friends!

Print