Spicy Sautéed Tofu with Bell Peppers and Sesame

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

Firm tofu cubes sautéed with colorful bell peppers and tossed in a bold, spicy sesame sauce. This asian-inspired new year (vegan) 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 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 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 over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, and remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu and peppers.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Sautéed Tofu with Bell Peppers and Sesame 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 Spicy Sautéed Tofu with Bell Peppers and Sesame?

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 Sautéed Tofu with Bell Peppers and Sesame?

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 Sautéed Tofu with Bell Peppers and Sesame 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 Spicy Sautéed Tofu with Bell Peppers and Sesame vegan?

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

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