Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut-Ginger Sauce

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

Golden crispy tofu cubes stir-fried with crunchy vegetables and coated in a vibrant peanut-ginger sauce for a satisfying vegan meal. This asian-inspired new year (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs 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 350 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 350 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 until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add 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 sliced medium red bell pepper, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 large julienned carrot; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, whisk together 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet with the vegetables, pour the peanut-ginger sauce over, and toss gently for 2 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving to add freshness and mild bite.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut-Ginger Sauce 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 Peanut-Ginger Sauce?

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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut-Ginger 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 Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut-Ginger Sauce 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 Peanut-Ginger 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.

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