Spicy Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Cashew Sauce
A vibrant, plant-based stir-fry with crispy tofu, bell peppers, broccoli, and a creamy cashew sauce for a satisfying meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes blends block (14 oz) firm tofu, bell peppers, head broccoli into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu
- 2 bell peppers
- 1 head broccoli
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp ginger
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup (cooked) rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Press tofu for 15 minutes. Cube and pan-fry until golden. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a bowl, soak cashews in hot water for 10 minutes. Blend with soy sauce, honey, and ginger into a sauce.
- Step 3: Stir-fry bell peppers and broccoli in oil until tender. Add tofu and sauce. Cook 2 minutes. Serve over rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Cashew Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spicy Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Cashew Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Cashew Sauce?
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 Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Cashew Sauce 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 Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Cashew Sauce 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
