Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Sesame

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant and spicy stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed with colorful bell peppers and a savory sesame sauce. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs block, drained and cubed firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz firm tofu cubes with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes undisturbed until the bottoms are golden and crispy, then flip and cook another 4 minutes until all sides are crisp.
  4. Step 4: Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Return the tofu to the skillet and add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; toss to coat everything evenly while cooking for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and clings to tofu and peppers.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 3 sliced green onions and sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Sesame 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 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 cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Stir-Fried 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 Stir-Fried 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 Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Sesame 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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