Jerk Vegetable Stir-Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A spicy and smoky one-pot stir-fry with colorful vegetables, tofu, and a homemade jerk seasoning blend for a bold, plant-based feast. This caribbean-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs block (14 oz), pressed and cubed tofu, sliced bell peppers, diced zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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 Caribbean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 block (14 oz) pressed and cubed tofu. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 diced zucchini, and 2 tbsp jerk seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender and coated in seasoning.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup coconut milk and 1 tbsp lime juice. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, toss to coat, and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Jerk Vegetable Stir-Fry 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 Jerk Vegetable Stir-Fry?

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 sliced bell peppers from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Jerk Vegetable Stir-Fry?

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 Jerk Vegetable Stir-Fry 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 Jerk Vegetable Stir-Fry 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.

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