Spicy Tofu Spinach Stir fry (15 Minute 1 Pan)

User Reviews

5

99 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    2

  • Calories

    214 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Indian

Spicy Tofu Spinach Stir fry (15 Minute 1 Pan)

This Spicy Tofu Spinach Stir fry features cubed firm tofu coated in garam masala and other warm spices, sautéed until golden, then cooked with spinach and a tangy tomato-ketchup base. The addition of vegan yogurt and water creates a saucy, creamy texture that gently simmers, melding the spices and greens. The dish balances spice, creaminess, and fresh spinach in a quick one-pan meal.

Description

Firm tofu is pressed and cubed, then cooked until edges brown in oil, providing a crispy contrast to its soft center. Warm spices like garam masala, coriander, cumin, and optional cinnamon or cloves toast with the tofu, infusing flavor. Fresh or thawed spinach and aromatics like garlic powder and onion flakes join the pan, cooked until spinach loses rawness.

Ketchup or tomato paste adds acidity and sweetness, while vegan yogurt and water combine into a lightly creamy sauce that simmers to blend flavors without overpowering the tofu and spinach. The finishing garnishes of red pepper flakes and garam masala add layered heat and aroma.

This stir fry makes a complete meal served with flatbreads like naan or rice, offering a balance of protein, greens, and spice in a single pan. Variations include adding cooked chickpeas or using alternatives like chickpea tofu, with options for soy-free or oil-free preparations detailed in the notes.

Adjust seasonings after simmering to suit tastes, and opt for medium-low heat during the final simmer for best flavor melding.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
  • 7 ounces firm tofu see notes for soy-free, or extra firm tofu; pressed 15 minutes then cubed
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or both, or cayenne or Indian red chili powder
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon garam masala or regular garam masala or use curry powder or berbere, Kashmiri variety
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin ground
  • cinnamon clove, and cardamom (optional, good pinch
  • 8-10 ounces spinach or chopped fresh spinach, frozen, thawed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion flakes
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup or tomato paste
  • 3-4 tablespoons vegan yogurt or you can use non-dairy cream such as cashew cream or use vegan plain cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup water or use 1/2 -1 cup non dairy milk for saucier/creamier
  • red pepper flakes for garnish
  • lime juice
  • garam masala

Instructions

  1. Heat a medium to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and let it get hot.
  2. Add your pressed and cubed tofu to the skillet and cook until some of the edges of the tofu are golden.
  3. Then add in the salt, pepper, Kashmiri garam masala, coriander, cumin, and any of the spices you are using and toss well to coat. Cook for another minute to roast the spices as well.
  4. Then add in spinach, salt, garlic powder, onion flakes,m, ketchup/tomato paste  and mix well. Cook until the spinach is not frozen and doesn’t smell raw. 3- 4 minutes.
  5. Then add in yogurt and mix in. Add in 1/2 cup of water and mix in and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for another 3-4 minutes for the flavors to meld.  Taste and adjust salt and flavor then take off the heat.
  6. Garnish with pepper flakes and garam masala. Optionally drizzle some coconut cream or thinned our vegan yogurt. Serve with flatbread, roti or naan, or rice. For low-carb, serve it with cauliflower rice.

Notes

  • For soy-free version, use pre-cooked potatoes or roasted cauliflower instead of tofu, or add cooked chickpeas with nutritional yeast for umami.
  • For oil-free cooking, bake tofu with half the spices until golden, then combine with spinach, tomato paste, and remaining spices in the skillet.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 214kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 16g (5%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 698mg (29%) Potassium 545mg (12%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 13526IU (271%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 290mg (29%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 214 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 214kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 16g 5%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 698mg 29%
Potassium 545mg 12%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 13526IU 271%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 290mg 29%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

99 reviews
Excellent

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