Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Stir-Fried Vegetables

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

Golden pan-fried tofu served with a creamy spicy peanut sauce and colorful stir-fried vegetables for a satisfying vegan dish. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, peanut butter, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp maple syrup, and 3 tbsp water until smooth; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra-firm tofu and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, pour the prepared peanut sauce over everything, and toss gently for 2 minutes until tofu and vegetables are evenly coated and sauce is warmed through.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Stir-Fried Vegetables 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 Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Stir-Fried 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 peanut butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Stir-Fried 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 Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Stir-Fried 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 Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Stir-Fried Vegetables 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.

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