Quick Stir-Fry with Tofu and Colorful Veggies

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

A vibrant, quick stir-fry packed with protein-rich tofu and colorful vegetables. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, sesame oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and slightly crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, then sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 julienned large carrot. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet, then stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu and veggies.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish. Serve immediately over 2 cups cooked jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fry with Tofu and Colorful Veggies 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 Quick Stir-Fry with Tofu and Colorful Veggies?

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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fry with Tofu and Colorful Veggies?

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 Stir-Fry with Tofu and Colorful Veggies 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 Stir-Fry with Tofu and Colorful Veggies 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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