Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce
Golden-brown tofu cubes in a luscious peanut-ginger sauce, paired with crisp vegetables for a satisfying plant-based dinner. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes blends soy sauce, peanut butter, lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz), pressed and cubed firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup, thinly sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 2 cups, cooked rice
- 1/4 cup, chopped roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss tofu cubes with 1 tbsp neutral oil and 1/4 tsp salt. Spread on a parchment-lined sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Step 2: Whisk soy sauce, peanut butter, lime juice, maple syrup, ginger, and garlic in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until crisp-tender. Add tofu and peanut sauce, tossing to coat. Cook 2 minutes until sauce bubbles.
- Step 4: Serve over rice, garnished with roasted peanuts and extra lime wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut 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 Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Sauce vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Perfect vegetarian recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
