Spicy Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Bell Peppers, and Snow Peas

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

A colorful and spicy stir-fry featuring crispy tofu, crunchy bell peppers, and sweet snow peas tossed in a savory soy-ginger sauce. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, large red bell pepper, sliced, large yellow bell pepper, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same wok, add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper, 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 cup snow peas. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the wok. Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, and 2 tsp sesame oil, then pour over the tofu and vegetables. Toss to coat and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds on top before serving hot over rice or noodles if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Bell Peppers, and Snow Peas 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 Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Bell Peppers, and Snow Peas?

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 large red bell pepper, sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Bell Peppers, and Snow Peas?

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 Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Bell Peppers, and Snow Peas 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 Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Bell Peppers, and Snow Peas 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.

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