Best Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce
Crispy tofu tossed in a savory peanut sauce, paired with vibrant bell peppers and snap peas. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes blends block, cubed tofu, peanut butter, soy sauce 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 400 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1 block, cubed tofu
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 large, juiced lime
- 2 medium, sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup, trimmed snap peas
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk 2 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 lime juice, and 1 tsp sesame seeds to make the sauce. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a wok over high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 sliced bell peppers and 1 cup snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Push vegetables to the sides of the wok. Add 1 block tofu cubes and cook for 5 minutes until golden.
- Step 5: Pour the peanut sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Toss to coat. Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Best Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut 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 Best Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut 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 Best Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Best Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut 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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.