Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Red Pepper and Snow Peas
A vibrant stir-fry featuring crispy pan-seared tofu tossed with crunchy snow peas and sweet red bell peppers in a savory garlic sauce. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, large, thinly sliced red bell pepper 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup, trimmed snow peas
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2, sliced thinly green onions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz firm tofu cubes in 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu to a plate.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 large thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1 cup trimmed snow peas. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour the sauce into the skillet and toss to coat the vegetables.
- Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to combine for 1 minute until heated through. Sprinkle 2 sliced green onions over the top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Red Pepper and Snow Peas 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 Red Pepper and Snow Peas?
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 Red Pepper and Snow Peas?
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 Red Pepper and Snow Peas 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 Red Pepper and Snow Peas 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.
