Southeast Asian Herb Stir-Fry with Tofu
A quick, vibrant stir-fry featuring firm tofu and seasonal vegetables in a savory-sweet sauce, finished with fresh herbs for a healthy, aromatic meal. This southeast asian-inspired asian ready in about 27 minutes pairs vegetable oil, sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz), pressed and cubed firm tofu
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1, sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup, sliced mushrooms
- 3, sliced green onions
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp palm sugar until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high. Add 1 red bell pepper sliced, 1 cup broccoli florets, and 1 cup mushrooms. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add 2 garlic cloves minced and 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced, stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 block (14 oz) pressed and cubed firm tofu to wok. Pour in soy sauce mixture and toss to coat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tofu is heated through and sauce thickens. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped and 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped. Cook for 1 more minute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Southeast Asian Herb Stir-Fry with Tofu take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Southeast Asian Herb Stir-Fry with 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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Southeast Asian Herb Stir-Fry with 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 Southeast Asian Herb Stir-Fry with Tofu 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.
What goes well with Southeast Asian Herb Stir-Fry with Tofu?
Southeast Asian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Perfect balance of herbs and tofu.
- ★★★★★
My kids devoured this. The lime and mint really elevated the tofu.
- ★★★★☆
Tasted great but sauce was slightly bland. Added extra soy sauce next time.
