Chili-Garlic Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir fry featuring crispy tofu tossed with broccoli and bell pepper in a bold chili-garlic sauce, perfect for a plant-based protein-packed meal. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pressed and cubed 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: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 2 cups broccoli florets; stir-fry for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sambal oelek, and 1 tsp brown sugar in a small bowl. Pour this sauce over the vegetables and stir well.
  6. Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss everything together for 2 minutes until heated through and coated with sauce.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chili-Garlic Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper?

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 cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chili-Garlic Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper?

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 Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper 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 Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper 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.

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