Quick Dusting Spice Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Tofu

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A speedy stir-fry featuring tofu and mixed vegetables tossed in a vibrant dusting of spices that give an aromatic and flavorful punch. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs pressed and cubed firm tofu, medium, julienned carrot, medium, sliced bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu and sauté for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden on all sides; remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 julienned carrot, 1 sliced bell pepper, and 1 cup snap peas; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the wok and sprinkle 1 tsp five-spice powder and 1/2 tsp ground white pepper evenly over the ingredients.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp sesame oil, tossing everything together and cooking for an additional 2 minutes until well coated and heated through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped scallions before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Dusting Spice Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Quick Dusting Spice Stir-Fry with Vegetables and 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 pressed and cubed firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Dusting Spice Stir-Fry with Vegetables and 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 Quick Dusting Spice Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Tofu 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 Quick Dusting Spice Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Tofu 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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