Sautéed Tofu Stir Fry with Binary Bell Pepper Medley

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

A colorful and protein-packed tofu stir fry featuring dual bell peppers, ginger, and garlic for a quick and satisfying vegan meal. This asian-inspired summer cookout (vegan, high protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, red bell pepper, yellow 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 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy on all sides; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced yellow bell pepper to the skillet; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet; pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and sprinkle 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently and cook for another 2 minutes until the tofu is heated through and coated with sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Tofu Stir Fry with Binary Bell Pepper Medley 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 Sautéed Tofu Stir Fry with Binary Bell Pepper Medley?

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 Sautéed Tofu Stir Fry with Binary Bell Pepper Medley?

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 Sautéed Tofu Stir Fry with Binary Bell Pepper Medley 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 Sautéed Tofu Stir Fry with Binary Bell Pepper Medley vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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