Spicy Chili-Garlic Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Tofu

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, hot stir fry featuring tofu and colorful bell peppers tossed in a chili-garlic sauce that brings a satisfying heat and aroma. This asian fusion-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, medium red bell pepper, medium yellow bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Dice 1 red, 1 yellow, and 1 green bell pepper into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Push tofu to the side. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes to the pan, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Add the diced bell peppers and stir fry for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly but remain crisp.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp honey. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and peppers evenly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Chili-Garlic Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Tofu 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 Spicy Chili-Garlic Stir Fry with Bell Peppers 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Chili-Garlic Stir Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Spicy Chili-Garlic Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and 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.

Is Spicy Chili-Garlic Stir Fry with Bell Peppers 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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