Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Crispy Tofu
Vibrant stir-fry featuring crisp tofu and seasonal vegetables in a savory-sweet sauce. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, broccoli, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 1 cup broccoli
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 cup carrots
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Press tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1/2 tsp sesame oil.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat. Fry tofu until golden on all sides (3-4 minutes), then set aside.
- Step 3: Stir-fry broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots for 4 minutes until crisp-tender. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and 1/4 cup water.
- Step 4: Return tofu to wok, toss to coat, and cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Crispy Tofu take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 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 Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Crispy 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 firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Crispy 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 Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Crispy Tofu for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Crispy Tofu 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.