Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Cashews

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

Crispy tofu stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and crunchy cashews in a spicy garlic sauce. This asian-inspired street food (vegan) ready in about 30 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 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 2 tsp sesame oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1/3 cup unsalted cashews. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet, then add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, and 1 tsp sriracha sauce. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Cashews 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Cashews?

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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Cashews?

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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Cashews 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Cashews 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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