Five-Spice Crispy Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-08 · Updated 2026-08-08

A colorful stir fry of crispy tofu cubes coated in five-spice powder, tossed with tender broccoli and sweet bell peppers in a savory garlic sauce. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, cornstarch, Chinese five-spice powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving

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Ingredients

14 oz block extra firm tofu
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
2 cups broccoli florets
1 medium sliced red bell pepper
1 medium sliced green bell pepper
3 minced garlic cloves
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp brown sugar
4 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
2 sliced scallions

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Instructions

Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz extra firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes. In a shallow bowl, combine 3 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder. Toss tofu cubes in the mixture to evenly coat.
Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add coated tofu cubes and cook, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Pour sauce into the skillet and stir to coat vegetables.
Step 6: Return crispy tofu to the skillet and toss everything gently to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and glazes tofu and vegetables.
Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Five-Spice Crispy Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Five-Spice Crispy Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers?

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 Five-Spice Crispy Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers?

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 Five-Spice Crispy Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers 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 Five-Spice Crispy Tofu Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers 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.