Five-Spice Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas
Crispy tofu and vibrant snap peas stir-fried in a savory-sweet five-spice glaze, served over steamed rice for a quick and healthy meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs pressed and cubed firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups trimmed snap peas
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed, cubed tofu with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups trimmed snap peas to the skillet and stir-fry for 2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp five-spice powder, 1/4 cup vegetable broth, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Pour sauce into skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Return crispy tofu to skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Stir in 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts. Cook for 1 more minute until heated through. Serve over steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Five-Spice Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap 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 Five-Spice Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap 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 pressed and cubed firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Five-Spice Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap 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 Five-Spice Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas 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.
What goes well with Five-Spice Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas?
Asian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.