Global Spice Stir-Fry with Crispy Tofu
A vibrant stir-fry featuring tofu marinated in five-spice powder and tossed with seasonal vegetables in a glossy sauce. This asian-inspired one pot (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs (block) extra-firm tofu, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 (block) extra-firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup (julienned) carrots
- 1 cup (sliced) bell peppers
- 2 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Press tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp five-spice powder in a bowl. Add tofu and marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 3: Remove tofu and set aside. Add remaining 1 tbsp canola oil to the skillet, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, stirring for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 5: Return tofu to skillet. Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, then pour into skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats vegetables.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Global Spice Stir-Fry with Crispy Tofu take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Global Spice Stir-Fry with Crispy Tofu?
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 (block) extra-firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Global Spice Stir-Fry with Crispy Tofu?
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 Global Spice Stir-Fry with Crispy Tofu 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 Global Spice Stir-Fry with Crispy Tofu 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
