Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce

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

Golden crispy tofu cubes tossed with crunchy vegetables in a bold and creamy spicy peanut sauce. This asian-inspired vegan (vegetarian) 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.

★ 4.4 (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: Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu block to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss tofu cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy all around. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sriracha, and 1/4 cup warm water until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Return crispy tofu to the skillet and pour the peanut sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Toss gently and cook for 2 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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