Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Garlic and Bell Peppers

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

A vibrant vegan stir fry featuring crispy tofu tossed with garlic and colorful bell peppers in a spicy sauce. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, red bell pepper, green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same wok, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 large julienned red bell pepper and 1 large julienned green bell pepper, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until the peppers are tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Return the tofu to the wok and add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, 2 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the tofu and vegetables.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Garlic and Bell Peppers?

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 Garlic and Bell Peppers?

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 Garlic and Bell Peppers 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 Garlic and Bell Peppers 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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