Spotlight Stir-Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir-fry bursting with color and flavor, highlighting fresh vegetables like a spotlight on your plate. This asian-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced bell peppers, cut into small florets broccoli, julienned carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 block (14 oz) pressed and cubed tofu and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Remove tofu and set aside. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers, 1 cup broccoli florets, and 1/2 cup julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to skillet, add 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil, then mix in 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats vegetables and tofu.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spotlight Stir-Fry 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 Spotlight Stir-Fry?

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 thinly sliced bell peppers from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spotlight Stir-Fry?

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 Spotlight Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spotlight Stir-Fry 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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