Five-Spice Tofu Stir-Fry with Bok Choy and Cashews

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant, restaurant-quality stir-fry featuring crispy tofu, tender bok choy, and crunchy cashews in a sweet-savory five-spice glaze. This chinese-inspired asian (vegan, high-protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Rice vinegar, Soy sauce, Brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 3.8 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp five-spice powder, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Add 1 block (14 oz) pressed tofu cubes and toss to coat, letting sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the hot oil, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 cups chopped bok choy and 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet, pour in the soy sauce mixture, and toss for 1 minute until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. Stir in 1/4 cup toasted cashews and 1 tsp sesame oil, cooking for 30 seconds more until heated through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Five-Spice Tofu Stir-Fry with Bok Choy and Cashews take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Five-Spice Tofu Stir-Fry with Bok Choy and Cashews?

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 rice vinegar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Five-Spice Tofu Stir-Fry with Bok Choy and Cashews?

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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Bok Choy and Cashews for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Bok Choy and Cashews vegan?

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

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