Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic-Soy Glaze

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

Golden, crispy tofu cubes stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and coated in a savory garlic-soy glaze for a quick vegan dinner. This asian-inspired vegan (quick vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red, 1 yellow, and 1 green bell pepper (medium each) to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and peppers.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic-Soy Glaze 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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic-Soy Glaze?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic-Soy Glaze?

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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic-Soy Glaze 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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic-Soy Glaze quick vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged quick 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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