Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Cashews

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

A vibrant, protein-packed stir-fry with crispy tofu, crunchy snap peas, and a tangy-spicy sauce that comes together in under 20 minutes. This asian-inspired quick meals (high protein, vegetarian) 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 400 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.

★ 4.1 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat tofu cubes dry, then toss with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to skillet. Add 1 cup trimmed snap peas and 1 sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and bright green with slight char marks.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatically intense.
  5. Step 5: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Pour sauce over vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu to skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/4 cup toasted cashews and 2 tbsp sesame seeds. Serve immediately over 2 cups cooked rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Cashews 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 Cashews?

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 Cashews?

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 Cashews 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 Cashews high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, 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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