Harissa-Sweet Balance Stir-Fry with Tofu and Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir-fry balancing smoky harissa and honey sweetness with crisp vegetables and protein-packed tofu, finished with a glossy glaze. This asian-inspired asian (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs firm tofu, red bell pepper, green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press the 14 oz firm tofu block for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 1/4 cup water until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
  4. Step 4: Add the 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 2 cups broccoli florets, and 2 medium julienned carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until crisp-tender and vibrant in color.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet, pour in the prepared sauce, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables and tofu.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot over 4 cups cooked white rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Sweet Balance Stir-Fry with Tofu and Vegetables 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 Harissa-Sweet Balance Stir-Fry with Tofu and Vegetables?

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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Sweet Balance Stir-Fry with Tofu and Vegetables?

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 Harissa-Sweet Balance Stir-Fry with Tofu and Vegetables 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 Harissa-Sweet Balance Stir-Fry with Tofu and Vegetables vegetarian?

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

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