Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame

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

Golden, crispy tofu cubes stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers, coated in a savory sesame soy sauce for a satisfying plant-based meal. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, chopped green onions 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: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu with 3 tbsp cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until bottoms are golden and crispy. Flip cubes carefully and cook another 4 minutes until all sides are golden. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the sliced 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper strips. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 chopped green onions, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet and pour 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil over the mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and cook for 2 minutes until heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds on top before serving. Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame 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 Sesame?

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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame?

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 Sesame 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 Sesame 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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