Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Stir-Fried Bok Choy

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

Golden pan-seared tofu served with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce and quick stir-fried bok choy for a balanced vegan meal. This asian-inspired super bowl (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, peanut butter, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 3 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and sliced firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp; remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup water until smooth and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Using the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups chopped bok choy and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, pour the peanut sauce over everything, and toss gently to coat for 1-2 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Stir-Fried Bok Choy 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-Seared Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Stir-Fried Bok Choy?

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 Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Stir-Fried Bok Choy?

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-Seared Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Stir-Fried Bok Choy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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-Seared Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Stir-Fried Bok Choy vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, 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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