Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Garlic

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

A vibrant vegan stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed with colorful bell peppers and a bold garlic chili sauce for a quick plant-based meal. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 35 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until all sides are golden and crispy. Transfer tofu to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and sauté 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium each of sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers to the skillet and stir-fry for 4 minutes until they begin to soften but remain crisp.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp cornstarch until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Return the tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over the tofu and peppers. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Garlic?

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 Garlic?

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 Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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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