Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Bell Peppers
A vibrant, protein-packed stir-fry with crispy tofu, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy-spicy sauce in under 25 minutes. This asian-inspired asian (vegetarian, high-protein) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup green onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chili garlic paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add tofu in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Add 1 cup snap peas, 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1/2 cup sliced green onions; stir-fry for 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp chili garlic paste, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. Pour sauce into the skillet, bring to a simmer, then add cooked tofu and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp sesame oil. Serve immediately over rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Bell Peppers 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Bell Peppers vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.