Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables and Sesame
Firm tofu stir-fried with crunchy bell peppers and snap peas in a spicy, savory sauce topped with toasted sesame seeds. This asian-inspired vietnamese (vegan) ready in about 27 minutes pairs trimmed snap peas, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 cup, trimmed snap peas
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz pressed firm tofu cubes and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Toss in 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup trimmed snap peas, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 4: Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar in a small bowl, then pour into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stir-fry, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Vegetables 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 trimmed snap peas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables 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 Vegetables 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 Vegetables 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Spicy Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables and Sesame was a family favorite at our Vietnamese dinner party.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The sesame really elevated the flavors.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My kids asked for seconds on this spicy tofu dish.
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