Asian-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Lemongrass Sauce
A fragrant, plant-powered stir-fry with marinated tofu and a zesty lemongrass sauce that’s ready in 25 minutes. This asian-inspired asian (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes blends stalks, finely minced lemongrass, fish sauce, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 2 stalks, finely minced lemongrass
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 medium, sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 minced lemongrass stalks, and 2 minced garlic cloves to make the sauce.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed tofu, cooking for 5-6 minutes until golden on all sides, then set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup sliced snap peas and 1 medium sliced bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 4: Return tofu to skillet and pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce and the prepared lemongrass sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Asian-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Lemongrass Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Asian-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Lemongrass Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Asian-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Lemongrass Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Asian-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Lemongrass Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Asian-Style Tofu Stir-Fry with Lemongrass Sauce vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.