Chili Garlic Stir-Fried Tofu with Snap Peas

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and fresh snap peas tossed in a bold chili garlic sauce. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs block extra-firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 8 oz snap peas, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the snap peas are bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar in a small bowl, then pour over the snap peas. Add the tofu back to the skillet and toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stir-fry and garnish with 2 tbsp sliced green onions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chili Garlic Stir-Fried Tofu with Snap Peas take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chili Garlic Stir-Fried Tofu with Snap Peas?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep block extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chili Garlic Stir-Fried Tofu with Snap Peas?

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 Chili Garlic Stir-Fried Tofu with Snap Peas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Chili Garlic Stir-Fried Tofu with Snap Peas vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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